April 20, 2026, 12:22 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
For 15 years, Apple used Intel processors for Macs. From 2020 to 2023, the company transitioned its entire computer lineup to the in-house developed Apple Silicon chips of the M series. Since last year, only MacBook and iMac models from 2020, as the last Intel-based devices, receive hardware support. In 2026, the supply of new macOS updates will also end.
macOS 27 only for Macs with Apple Silicon
During the WWDC developer conference in June 2025, Apple announced that macOS 26 Tahoe would be the last version of the operating system for Intel-based Macs. Beyond that, software support will only include critical security updates. Version updates with new features will henceforth be reserved exclusively for Macs with Apple Silicon–including M series chips and the A18 Pro, which is in the MacBook Neo.
macOS 27, which will be introduced during the keynote at WWDC26, will no longer be available on Intel Macs. The beta version of the new operating system is expected to be released shortly after the developer conference, still in June. The final version is slated to follow in September. While the list of supported devices is not confirmed, it is expected to include all Mac, MacBook, and iMac models with M1 or newer.
These devices currently still receive updates
In 2025, Apple had already limited macOS 26 Tahoe to a handful of Intel-based Macs. Currently, the following models still receive full software support:
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, four Thunderbolt ports)
- iMac (27-inch, 2020)
- Mac Pro (2019)
Also of interest: What new devices does Apple have in the pipeline?
This meant that only the most recent Mac models with Intel processors, which were released alongside the first Apple Silicon models, were covered. All older MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, as well as iMac Pro and Mac mini (2018), did not receive the update to macOS 26. Even the MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt ports remained on macOS Sequoia, despite also being released in 2020.
In 2025, Apple also reduced hardware support for most Intel-based Macs. Since then, only owners of the “latest” Intel-based models–MacBook Pro (2020), iMac (2020), and Mac Pro (2019)–have full access to repair and service options through Apple.