The End of Intel-Based Macs? Apple's Transition to M1 and Beyond

Apple’s WWDC 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the tech world, offering exciting previews of upcoming software updates, including a redesigned UI dubbed Liquid Glass. However, one announcement overshadowed the rest: the end of Intel-based Mac support. In a move that is both bittersweet and expected, Apple confirmed that MacOS 26 Tahoe will be the final operating system update for Intel-based Mac computers. Starting in 2026, only M1-based or newer Macs will be eligible for all new features and updates. This article explores the implications of this change, which marks the end of an era for Intel-powered Macs.

The Transition to Apple Silicon: A New Era for MacOS

Apple’s decision to drop Intel support with MacOS 26 Tahoe comes as no surprise to those familiar with the company’s history of evolving hardware and software. Since the introduction of the M1 chip, Apple’s shift towards its own silicon has been inevitable. The new architecture promised greater power efficiency and better integration between hardware and software, making Intel-based processors obsolete in the long run.

The official announcement came during the Platforms State of the Union at WWDC 2025. Apple revealed that MacOS 26 Tahoe would be the final version of its operating system to support Intel-based Macs. This means that only M1 or newer models will receive updates, including the anticipated MacOS 27, which will arrive in 2026.

The list of Intel-based Macs that will receive MacOS 26 Tahoe includes the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro, the 2020 iMac, and the 2020 MacBook Pro. However, Apple has dropped support for older Intel Macs, such as the MacBook Air and Mac mini. This move reflects the company’s ongoing push to streamline its hardware and focus on devices powered by its custom chips.

While this shift may seem abrupt, it’s important to note that Apple typically ends software support for older hardware after a few years. The decision to phase out Intel support was inevitable, as Intel-based Macs struggled to keep pace with the performance and efficiency gains offered by Apple’s M1 architecture.

What Undercode Say:

Apple’s transition to its own silicon, starting with the M1 chip, has been widely praised for its performance improvements and energy efficiency. The M1, followed by the M2 and M4 chips, has brought significant advancements to Apple’s product lineup, and this shift marks the beginning of the end for Intel-based Macs.

This strategic move by Apple is in line with its broader vision for hardware and software integration. The company has always prioritized seamless user experiences, and its in-house chips allow for better optimization of both macOS and hardware. The M1 and later chips are designed to work perfectly with MacOS, providing users with enhanced performance and battery life, two areas where Intel-powered Macs have been outpaced.

While the end of Intel support is unfortunate for some users, it reflects the rapid pace of technological innovation in Apple’s ecosystem. Intel-based Macs, especially those from 2019 or earlier, will continue to receive security updates for the next few years, but after that, their support will be discontinued. Apple has confirmed that MacBooks and other Intel Macs will still receive crucial security updates for up to three more years, providing users with some peace of mind before making the switch to M1 or newer devices.

For those still using Intel-based Macs, this is a critical time to consider upgrading. Apple’s M1-powered MacBooks, like the MacBook Air, are available at discounted prices, making it a perfect time to invest in the future of Mac computing. Whether you’re considering the M1, M2, or M4 chips, the performance boost and longevity of these devices make them well worth the investment.

Fact Checker Results ✅❌

MacOS 26 Tahoe is the final update for Intel-based Macs: ✅ This is confirmed by Apple’s official statement during WWDC 2025, which outlined the end of Intel support for future macOS versions.
Intel-based Macs will continue to receive security updates for three more years: ✅ Apple has confirmed this information, giving users some assurance before they need to upgrade their devices.
Intel-based MacBook Airs and Mac minis are dropped from the update list: ✅ This is accurate, as Apple has removed support for these older Intel models in macOS 26 Tahoe.

Prediction: The Future of

As Apple moves further away from Intel, the focus will be entirely on optimizing its own silicon chips for the macOS ecosystem. M1, M2, and M4 chips are just the beginning of Apple’s future in computing, and we can expect even more powerful and energy-efficient processors in the coming years.

The transition to Apple Silicon will drive even greater innovation, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and augmented reality. With full control over both the hardware and software, Apple is poised to create more specialized devices tailored to various user needs.

For consumers, the shift to M1-based Macs means a more seamless, unified experience across all Apple devices, whether it’s the MacBook, iPhone, or iPad. As we look toward macOS 27 and beyond, expect even tighter integration between Apple’s hardware and software, making Intel-based Macs a thing of the past.