Why the macOS Tahoe update is a 'huge milestone' for Intel-based Macs

Apple's WWDC 2025 event kicked off on June 9 with a series of announcements related to new updates, as well as the company's upcoming software launch plans.

 

Of course, moving to new software means that support for older Apple devices will gradually decrease. For example, the upcoming macOS 26 (codenamed macOS Tahoe) will be the last macOS for Intel-based Macs. The tech giant has been ditching Intel chips in favor of its own Apple Silicon chips, starting with the M1 in 2020 and completing the transition by 2023.

Matthew Firlik, Apple's senior director of developer relations, announced the decision during his "Platforms State of the Union" keynote on stage at WWDC on Monday.

In fact, Tahoe will only be compatible with the four Intel Mac models released in 2019 and 2020, and the new operating system won't run on Intel-powered MacBook Air and Mac mini versions.

Specifically, macOS Tahoe will be compatible with:

1. MacBook Air with Apple Silicon (2020 and later)
2. MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon (2020 and later)
3. MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
4. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020; 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
5. iMac (2020 and later)
6. Mac mini (2020 and later)
7. Mac Studio (2022 and later)
8. Mac Pro (2019 and later)

Additionally, there are Macs that support macOS Sequoia (the current version of macOS) but won't be able to upgrade to macOS Tahoe, including:

1. MacBook Air (Retina, 13 inches, 2020)
2. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018; 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
3. MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
4. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019; 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
5. MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
6. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019; 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
7. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020; 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
8. iMac (Retina 5K, 27 inches, 2019)
9. iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5 inches, 2019)
10. iMac Pro (2017)
11. Mac mini (2018)

 

Intel Mac owners will still receive security updates for a while longer, but they won't be able to take advantage of new features in macOS 27 (due out next year) because it's only compatible with devices using Apple Silicon.

The Tahoe update, scheduled to launch for the latest Macs this fall, brings a new design with a signature transparent 'Liquid Glass' look; enhanced personalization options for folders, app icons, and Control Center; a new Phone app on the Mac that connects to iPhone calls; major upgrades to Spotlight; expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities including Live Translation and Smart Shortcuts; and an improved Continuity experience that enhances productivity and personalization when using your Mac and iPhone together.