Apple is preparing to unveil macOS 27 at WWDC in just a few weeks, and the company has already confirmed that the latest version of its desktop operating system will lack compatibility with at least four Mac models. This represents a historic transition: macOS 27 will be the first release exclusively for Apple Silicon Macs, leaving behind the final Intel-based systems still supported by the current OS, macOS Tahoe.

For years, Apple has been gradually phasing out Intel processors in favor of its own custom chips, starting with the M1 in late 2020. The transition was originally announced at WWDC 2020, with a two-year timeline for the shift. By late 2022, Apple had completed the move across its entire product lineup. However, software support for Intel Macs has persisted through multiple macOS versions. With macOS 27, that support ends.

Which Macs will lose macOS 27 compatibility?

The four Macs affected are the last Intel models currently supported by macOS Tahoe. They include:

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• iMac (2020)
• Mac Pro (2019)

These machines are all based on Intel processors, and Apple had warned at last year's WWDC that macOS Tahoe would be the final version to support Intel hardware. Users of these models will be able to continue using macOS Tahoe, but they will not receive the new features, security updates, and performance improvements that come with macOS 27. Notably, the 2019 Mac Pro is the most powerful Intel Mac Apple ever made, but even that workstation-class machine will be left behind.

Why is Apple dropping Intel support now?

The decision aligns with Apple's broader strategy to streamline its software ecosystem around Apple Silicon. By focusing exclusively on its own chips, Apple can optimize performance, power efficiency, and security. Features like hardware-accelerated machine learning, unified memory architecture, and advanced graphics capabilities are best served when the operating system is tailored to a single architecture. Moreover, maintaining compatibility with Intel hardware requires additional engineering resources and can limit innovation. For example, macOS 27 may include features that rely on Apple Silicon-specific capabilities, such as enhanced GPU compute or Neural Engine integration.

From a historical perspective, Apple has used similar transitions before. When shifting from PowerPC to Intel in 2006, the company provided several years of software support through Rosetta emulation and universal binaries. Similarly, with the move to Apple Silicon, Apple offered Rosetta 2 to run Intel apps on M1 Macs. However, that emulation layer is not intended to last forever. By dropping Intel hardware support entirely, Apple signals that it is time for users to upgrade.

What about other models?

It is highly unlikely that any Apple Silicon Macs will lose support in macOS 27. M1 models were introduced in 2020, and typical macOS support lasts about five to six years. M1 Macs should see updates through at least macOS 28 or 29. The M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, and M2 series are all relatively recent and will continue to be supported. However, an official compatibility list from Apple is not expected until the WWDC keynote in early June. Until then, the only confirmed drops are those four Intel machines.

Rumors also suggest that iOS 27 will drop support for four iPhone models this year, though the exact models remain unconfirmed. This parallel reflects Apple's pattern of phasing out older devices across its platforms to encourage adoption of newer hardware with better capabilities.

Implications for Intel Mac users

If you are still using an Intel Mac, you face a critical decision. The four affected models are all relatively recent – the 2019 Mac Pro and 2020 iMac are less than seven years old. But software support is a key factor in a computer's lifespan. Without macOS 27, you will miss out on security patches (including important fixes for vulnerabilities), new app features that require the latest OS, and compatibility with future third-party software. Apple does provide security updates for older OS versions for a limited time, but those tend to be less frequent and do not cover all vulnerabilities.

Users who rely on professional workloads – video editing, music production, software development – may find that their workflows depend on software that requires the latest macOS. Similarly, enterprise environments that need to support the newest security standards may feel pressure to upgrade. On the positive side, Intel Macs that are not compatible with macOS 27 will continue to run older operating systems indefinitely, as long as they are maintained properly. However, Apple's support for macOS Tahoe will eventually end, leaving those machines vulnerable.

How to prepare for the transition

If you own one of the affected Macs, you have several options. The simplest is to continue using macOS Tahoe and accept that you will not receive future major updates. Alternatively, you can upgrade to a newer Apple Silicon Mac. Apple's current lineup includes MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro – all powered by M3, M4, or upcoming M5 chips. Upgrading offers not only software compatibility but also performance gains, better battery life (on laptops), and modern features like Thunderbolt 4 or 5, Wi-Fi 6E, and improved displays.

For budget-conscious users, refurbished or discounted M1 and M2 Macs are still available through Apple and third-party retailers. These models will be supported for several more years and offer a significant upgrade over Intel machines. Additionally, trade-in programs can help offset the cost. Apple typically offers trade-in values for newer Intel Macs, though the values may drop once macOS 27 is released and the models become officially unsupported.

Looking ahead

The end of Intel Mac support marks a milestone in Apple's history. It completes the transition that began at WWDC 2020 and signals that Apple Silicon is now the sole foundation for macOS. Future versions of macOS will undoubtedly introduce features that are only possible on Apple's chips, such as tighter integration with iPhone and iPad apps, advanced AI capabilities, and even more efficient multitasking. The software ecosystem will continue to evolve, and Intel Macs will become relics of a past era – much like PowerPC Macs are today.

As WWDC approaches, Apple will provide the official compatibility list and demonstrate the new features of macOS 27. For now, users of the four affected models should start planning their next purchase. The decision may not be easy, but the industry is moving on, and macOS 27 is the next step in that journey. Will you upgrade, or are you holding onto your Intel Mac for a while longer? The choice is yours.

Source: 9to5Mac News