Apple is all set to unveil macOS 26, its next major operating system update for Mac, at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025. While the update promises exciting new features and a refreshed design inspired by visionOS, it will mark the end of the road for several older Intel-based Macs.
You guessed it! Apple has sped up the transition away from Intel architecture by narrowing the list of supported devices with each new macOS release. And if the rumor mills are able to hit the jackpot, the upcoming macOS update will eventually pull the plug on the Intel-based devices.
Macs Expected to Lose Support in macOS 26
Based on early development builds and insider sources, the following Macs will likely not be eligible for the macOS 26 update:
- MacBook Pro (2018)
- iMac (2019)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac mini (2018)
- MacBook Air (2020 – Intel model)
These devices were the oldest Macs still compatible with macOS Sequoia. Their absence in the latest development builds suggests Apple will no longer support them with the upcoming release.
Why Is Apple Dropping Support for These Macs?
Pretty much on the expected lines, Apple is prioritizing its own Apple Silicon chips, such as the M1 and newer, which offer significantly better performance and energy efficiency compared to older Intel CPUs. By phasing out support for Intel Macs, Apple can optimize macOS for a more consistent hardware environment, enabling better performance, battery life, and access to advanced features.
This shift also allows Apple to implement modern system technologies and design elements that may not perform well on older Intel-based systems.
Compatible Macs for macOS 26
The following models are expected to remain compatible with macOS 26:
- MacBook Pro (2019 and newer)
- iMac (2020 and newer)
- MacBook Air (M1 and newer)
- Mac mini (M1 and newer)
- Mac Studio (all models)
- Mac Pro (2019 and newer)
This compatibility list highlights Apple’s clear preference for Apple Silicon Macs and newer Intel Macs with more capable hardware.
What’s New in macOS 26?
macOS 26 is rumored to feature a bold new design language inspired by visionOS, with rounded window elements, translucent layers, and more immersive visuals. It’s reportedly one of the biggest design overhauls macOS has seen in years. The update may also bring deeper integration with Apple’s ecosystem, improved multitasking, and enhanced performance on Apple Silicon.
The first developer beta is expected to roll out immediately after the WWDC keynote, with a public beta arriving in July. A full public release is likely in the fall of 2025.
Wrapping up…
If you’re using one of the Intel-based Macs listed above, macOS Sequoia might be the last major update you receive. While these devices will continue to function, they won’t benefit from the new features and enhancements introduced in macOS 26. This is a good time to consider upgrading to an Apple Silicon Mac to stay current with Apple’s software ecosystem.
