Apple has announced that macOS Tahoe, set to be released this fall, will mark the end of major software updates for Macs equipped with Intel chips. This decision signals a shift towards exclusive support for Apple Silicon devices, beginning with macOS 27.
Matthew Firlik, Apple’s senior director of developer relations, revealed during the WWDC Platforms State of the Union keynote that macOS Tahoe will be the final release for Intel Macs. While Intel-based Macs will no longer receive significant software upgrades, they will continue to receive security updates for a few more years.
The move to discontinue major updates for Intel Macs aligns with Apple’s ongoing transition to its proprietary Apple Silicon architecture. The company has already phased out support for some non-Apple Silicon models, with macOS Tahoe incompatible with certain Intel MacBook Air and Mac mini models.
As Apple progresses towards macOS 27 and beyond, legacy Intel Macs will gradually lose compatibility with future operating system releases. The minimum supported hardware generations will now start from 2020 onwards, coinciding with the introduction of Apple Silicon chips such as the M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max.
This strategic shift underscores Apple’s commitment to optimizing performance and efficiency across its product lineup, leveraging the advantages of its in-house silicon solutions. While users of Intel-based Macs may face limitations in terms of software updates, the continued provision of security patches aims to ensure a secure computing experience for existing devices.
In essence, macOS Tahoe represents a significant milestone in Apple’s transition towards a unified ecosystem powered by Apple Silicon, setting the stage for enhanced performance and innovation across its Mac product range.
References:
1. The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/news/683846/macos-tahoe-intel-x86-arm-m-cpu
2. Slashdot: https://apple.slashdot.org/story/25/06/09/2245206/apple-will-end-support-for-intel-macs-next-year?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
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