Why macOS Tahoe Matters for Intel Macs

Apple WWDC

This article is part of our comprehensive coverage of Apple WWDC.

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The Apple WWDC event commenced on Monday, featuring an array of new announcements and updates that outline the company’s software roadmap for the upcoming year.

As is customary with each WWDC keynote, the transition to updated software brings with it reduced support for older Apple devices.

A prime example is the forthcoming macOS 26, also known as macOS Tahoe, which will mark the final macOS release for Mac models equipped with Intel processors. Apple shifted to its custom-designed Apple Silicon chips, starting with the M1 in 2020 and completing this transition in 2023.

Matthew Firlik, Apple’s senior director of developer relations, revealed this information during the Platforms State of the Union keynote at WWDC.

Tahoe will be compatible with just four Intel-based Macs, released in 2019 and 2020, while the updated software will not function on Intel versions of the MacBook Air and Mac mini models.

The following Intel Macs will support macOS Tahoe:

• MacBook Air with Apple Silicon (2020 and later)
• MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon (2020 and later)
• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020; four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• iMac (2020 and later)
• Mac mini (2020 and later)
• Mac Studio (2022 and later)
• Mac Pro (2019 and later)

In contrast, several Macs that currently support macOS Sequoia (the existing version) will not be able to upgrade to macOS Tahoe, including:

• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018; four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019; four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019; two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020; two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)
• iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• Mac mini (2018)

Intel Mac users can still expect security updates for a time, but they will miss out on new features in macOS 27, scheduled for release next year, as it will only be available for Apple Silicon devices.

Set to arrive for the latest Mac computers this fall, Tahoe features a substantial redesign with a new Liquid Glass transparent aesthetic, enhanced customization options for folders and app icons, a new Phone app for seamless iPhone call integration, significant updates to Spotlight, expanded Apple Intelligence features including Live Translation and smarter Shortcuts, and improved Continuity functions to enhance productivity and personalization between Mac and iPhone devices.