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Apple is gearing up to announce its latest Mac operating system update, macOS 26, and it’s generating a lot of buzz. This will mark a major step forward for the company’s software, bringing a complete redesign and new features. With Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) set to take place on June 9, rumors are already swirling about which Macs will support the new update. Here’s everything we know so far about macOS 26 and the future of Mac compatibility.
The Big Shift: macOS 26 vs macOS 16
Bloomberg recently reported that Apple’s next software update will be named macOS 26, breaking away from the expected macOS 16 moniker. This change is fueling excitement among users and tech enthusiasts, especially considering how significant the redesign is expected to be. As the anticipation builds, AppleInsider provided a list of Mac models that are expected to support the update. Citing anonymous sources familiar with the details, they revealed that macOS 26 will be compatible with the following machines:
MacBook Pro (2019 or later)
iMac (2020 or later)
Mac Pro (2019 or later)
Mac mini M1 or later
Mac Studio
MacBook Air M1 or later
This list suggests a continued push by Apple to prioritize its newer, Apple Silicon-based machines while still offering support for certain Intel-based Macs. However, it’s also expected that this update will leave behind older models, ending support for devices that are currently supported by macOS Sequoia, the most recent update.
The following devices are not likely to make the cut:
2018 MacBook Pro
2017 iMac Pro
2018 Mac mini
2020 Intel MacBook Air
What Does This Mean for Users?
The change in naming convention from macOS 16 to macOS 26 is a surprising shift and suggests Apple is looking to break from its traditional naming pattern. Along with this change, the update itself is expected to feature a significant redesign, with improved performance and possibly a fresh user interface.
Importantly, while the list of supported Macs shows some Intel devices hanging on for another year, this could be the last update for many of these machines. After macOS 26, it’s likely that Apple will begin phasing out support for Intel-powered Macs more aggressively, pushing users towards its newer, Apple Silicon-powered models.
What Undercode Say:
The transition from Intel chips to Apple Silicon has been one of Apple’s most talked-about changes in recent years. By the time macOS 26 arrives, it’s expected that Apple will complete the migration for the majority of its devices. What makes macOS 26 particularly interesting is its impact on user experience and future-proofing the Mac platform. The discontinuation of Intel Macs signals a clear move toward greater optimization for Apple’s custom silicon, which promises better performance, battery life, and security.
The compatibility list is a strategic decision by Apple. By including Macs with Intel chips, Apple is giving users a bit more time to transition, but it’s also encouraging them to move towards more future-ready Apple Silicon devices. This list also signals that, while macOS 26 will be a more modern system, there will likely be limitations for older Intel-powered Macs. Users with older devices may not get the full range of new features, especially those tied to Apple Silicon’s unique capabilities.
With the anticipated redesign, we can expect significant improvements across the board, especially in how macOS integrates with other Apple products and services. Apple has been focusing heavily on ecosystem synergy, and macOS 26 will likely continue that trend with enhanced features for seamless collaboration between devices, whether it’s a Mac, iPhone, or iPad.
Apple’s decision to cut off older Intel devices also suggests a shift in how Apple sees its users interacting with their devices. By limiting certain features to Apple Silicon Macs, the company is pushing users to adopt new hardware sooner rather than later. While this may be frustrating for some, it aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of delivering a more unified and optimized experience across its entire product lineup.
As always, the upcoming WWDC will provide more details, but it’s clear that macOS 26 will be a major update. Whether it’s worth upgrading to depends on your device and how much you rely on the new features that Apple introduces.
Fact Checker Results 📊:
The rumor about macOS 26 replacing macOS 16 is true, as Bloomberg reported.
Apple’s push towards Apple Silicon is confirmed by the limited compatibility of Intel Macs.
The redesign and focus on integration with other Apple devices are highly likely given Apple’s recent trends.
Prediction 🔮:
We predict that macOS 26 will be a game-changer, pushing users even more toward Apple Silicon devices. Expect key features such as faster performance, better energy efficiency, and more exclusive functionalities tied to Apple’s custom chips. Intel users may be left behind with some limitations, marking the beginning of the end for Intel-powered Macs in the Apple ecosystem. As Apple continues to perfect its ecosystem, macOS 26 will likely be the most refined version yet, with a redesigned user interface that feels more in sync with the rest of the Apple ecosystem.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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