TECHNOLOGY

Apple's Final Intel Mac Support: What You Need to Know

Tue Jun 17 2025
Apple is wrapping up support for its Intel-based Macs. This change has been in the works for a while, and it's part of a bigger shift. Apple has been moving from Intel chips to its own Apple Silicon. This move started a few years back and is now nearing its end. With the release of macOS 26 Tahoe, Apple has made it clear that this will be the last major update for Intel Macs. The company has been open about this transition. It has given users a heads-up about the end of support for Intel Macs. Apple has also promised to provide security updates for two years after macOS 27 comes out next year. This is not new. Apple has always done this for older Macs. But it's good to see them being transparent about it this time. So, what does this mean for Intel Mac users? Well, it means that if you have an Intel Mac, you should start thinking about an upgrade. Apple Silicon Macs are faster and more efficient. They also support newer features and software. But if you're not ready to upgrade just yet, don't worry. You'll still get security updates for a couple more years. This transition is not the first time Apple has switched chip types. Back in the early 2000s, Apple moved from PowerPC to Intel. That transition took a few years, and it was a big deal at the time. But Apple managed it well, and most users made the switch without too many issues. Looking ahead, it's interesting to think about what this means for the future of Apple Silicon. Will Apple support these new Macs for as long as it did with Intel? Or will it change its strategy? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: Apple is always evolving, and its users need to be ready to evolve with it. Apple has a history of supporting its products for a decent amount of time. They have a spreadsheet that tracks every Mac they've released since 1998. This includes the introduction date, discontinuation date, and the final version of macOS each Mac supported. This data can give us a good idea of how long Apple typically supports its products. But remember, past performance is not always a guarantee of future results. Apple could change its support policies at any time.

questions

    Is Apple intentionally shortening the support lifespan of Intel Macs to force users into buying new Apple Silicon devices?
    If Apple Silicon Macs get better support, will Intel Macs start holding 'Support Us' protests?
    What are the long-term implications of Apple's support policies on the environmental impact of e-waste?

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