Apple’s macOS 26 to end support for several Intel Macs as it focuses on Apple Silicon, promising major design and performance upgrades.
A big and exciting update is coming soon but not every Mac user will be happy. A new report says Apple’s next macOS 26 update might stop working on many Intel-based Macs, as Apple moves fully toward its own Apple Silicon chips.
You read that right macOS 26 (not macOS 16) is expected to launch this fall, and it’s likely going to drop support for several popular older Mac models that are still compatible with macOS Sequoia.
Which Macs May Be Left Behind?
According to AppleInsider, unnamed sources familiar with the matter claim that these Intel Macs may not be included in the supported list for macOS 26:
- MacBook Pro (2018)
- iMac (2019)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac mini (2018)
- MacBook Air (2020, Intel-based)
These are currently the oldest models supported by macOS Sequoia, and their absence in the development phase of macOS 26 strongly suggests they won’t make the final cut.
Another Blow to Intel Macs
If this report turns out to be accurate, this will be the second year in a row that Apple tightens support for Intel-powered Macs. The company seems fully committed to enhancing the experience for devices running on its in-house Apple Silicon chips, leaving Intel Macs further behind.
Who Will Get macOS 26?
Only the following models are expected to support the new macOS 26:
- MacBook Pro (2019 and later)
- iMac (2020 and later)
- Mac Pro (2019 and later)
- Mac mini (M1 and later)
- Mac Studio (all models)
- MacBook Air (M1 and later)
This reflects a clear split between Apple Silicon and Intel devices, with the full power of macOS 26 being reserved for the newer generation Macs.
Bigger, Smarter and Sleeker: What to Expect from macOS 26
It’s not just the supported devices that are making headlines. macOS 26’s first developer beta is rumored to be over 17 GB in size, which is about 2GB larger than the initial beta for macOS Sequoia.
Sources suggest that the new operating system will take heavy design inspiration from visionOS, introducing translucent materials and rounded window elements. If true, this would be the most dramatic visual redesign for macOS in years.
A Shift in Apple’s Naming Strategy
There’s another twist: Apple is reportedly planning to align its software names with release years. That means we could soon see not just macOS 26, but also iOS 26 and other Apple platforms following the same system, a move that adds clarity for users across all devices.
All Eyes on WWDC 2025
The big reveal is just around the corner. Apple will unveil macOS 26 during its WWDC 2025 keynote on June 9. The first developer beta is expected to be released right after the keynote, while the final public version will roll out in the fall of 2025.
In Summary:
Apple is getting serious about its future with Apple Silicon. macOS 26 is going to be bigger, better, and bolder but if you’re using an older Intel Mac, it may be time to consider an upgrade. With design upgrades, performance boosts, and a cleaner device line-up, this could be the most exciting macOS release yet.
Also Read: iPhone 17 Revolution: Apple’s 2025 Lineup Is a Design Breakthrough
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