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Appleās announcement of the highly anticipated MacOS 26, also known as “Tahoe,” at WWDC this week brought exciting updates for Mac users. This update introduces a sleeker design, new app features, and significant performance upgrades, but it also marks an important transition for MacBook owners, particularly with regards to compatibility. Hereās everything you need to know about which Mac models will support MacOS 26 and which ones won’t.
Introduction to MacOS 26 Tahoe
Apple’s WWDC 2025 was a landmark event, revealing the upcoming MacOS 26, codenamed “Tahoe,” and setting the stage for its fall release. The new operating system promises an overhaul in terms of design and functionality, with Appleās āLiquid Glassā UI aesthetic offering a fresh, sleek look. While the update introduces various enhancements, it also signals the end of support for Intel-based Macs and certain older models. With this release, Apple pushes its users toward a more uniform and modern ecosystem. But with some devices falling out of the compatibility list, itās important to know if your Mac is eligible for the upgrade. Hereās a breakdown of which models will get MacOS 26 and which will be left behind.
Which Mac Models Will Support MacOS 26 Tahoe?
MacOS 26 Tahoe will support the following devices:
MacBook Pro M1 (and later models)
MacBook Pro 16-inch (Intel) ā 2019
MacBook Pro 13-inch (Intel) ā 2020 with four Thunderbolt 3 ports
MacBook Air M1 (and later models)
Mac Studio ā 2022 and later
Mac Pro ā 2019 and later
Mac mini ā 2020 and later
iMac ā 2020 and later
These devices will be able to receive MacOS 26 updates when theyāre officially released in September. If your device is on this list, itās a good idea to stick with MacOS 26 for the rest of its life cycle, as this will be the last major OS supported on these models.
Which Mac Models
Unfortunately, not every Mac will be eligible for MacOS 26, especially those with older Intel processors. Hereās a list of models that wonāt support the new OS:
MacBook Air ā Pre-2020 models
MacBook Pro 13-inch ā Pre-2020 models with two Thunderbolt ports
MacBook ā Anything from 2018 or earlier
While these Macs will continue functioning on older versions like MacOS 15 Sequoia, they will no longer receive updates or security patches after MacOS 26 rolls out. Itās time for some users to either upgrade their devices or settle for the older MacOS versions for the foreseeable future.
MacOS 26 Beta vs. Full Release: Whatās the Difference?
The MacOS 26 beta, which began its rollout earlier this week, allows developers and testers to evaluate the new operating system ahead of its general release. While most of the announced features are available in the beta, expect some bugs and unoptimized features. The beta phase is crucial for ironing out issues and ensuring a smoother experience when the OS is fully launched.
Typically, after the beta testing period, the full version of MacOS 26 will be made available alongside Appleās new fall products, including the iPhone. However, even after the full release, users might encounter a few initial bugs and glitches during the first weeks. Itās always wise to check the update logs when installing the software.
When Will MacOS 26 Be Released?
Apple traditionally rolls out its public beta for new OS versions a few weeks after WWDC. For MacOS 26, expect the public beta to land by mid-July, with the full official release scheduled for September. As always, Appleās annual fall event will mark the final, polished version of the software, bringing stability and smoother performance to all eligible Mac users.
What Undercode Say:
As Apple gradually shifts its focus toward its own silicon architecture (such as M1 and M2 chips), MacOS 26 represents a pivotal moment in the tech giantās journey to deprecate older Intel-based hardware. The removal of support for Intel Macs is consistent with Apple’s broader strategy to phase out Intel chips in favor of its own ARM-based M1/M2 processors. This transition has been underway for several years now, with Apple making it clear that its future software innovations are optimized for its new silicon.
This shift not only aligns with
While many users will likely feel frustrated by this move, Appleās drive for performance and its reliance on its custom-designed chips will continue to shape its software development. The move to MacOS 26, though restrictive for some, reflects the natural progression of hardware and software integration that Apple has pioneered with its ARM chips.
Fact Checker Results ā
Fact: MacOS 26 is indeed the final operating system to be supported by Intel-based Macs. Apple has confirmed this in their WWDC 2025 presentation.
Fact: MacBook models prior to 2020 with Intel chips will not be supported by MacOS 26.
Fact: The MacOS 26 beta has already been launched, with a full public release expected in September 2025.
Prediction: ā
With the end of support for Intel Macs, users of older devices may face the need for a forced upgrade sooner than expected. The lack of security updates could pose a risk, pushing users to purchase new devices to ensure they stay current with the latest technology and software. As Apple continues to phase out Intel chips, expect more MacBook owners to shift to newer models, especially as they realize that software incompatibility will only worsen over time. Additionally, the growing adoption of Appleās M-series chips will likely drive new software developments that continue to optimize MacOS for these newer devices.
References:
Reported By: www.zdnet.com
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