Apple's transition from Intel chips to its own Apple Silicon began in 2020 and was completed by 2023. This strategic shift has led many to wonder when Apple will entirely cease support for Intel-based Macs. As of now, Apple is still providing updates for some Intel Macs, linking to macOS Sequoia, but the end of support could be on the horizon.

Current Support and Transition

Several Intel Macs are still enjoying macOS Sequoia support, thanks to Apple's typical practice of providing around five years of software updates. Notable models currently receiving updates include the 2018 Mac mini, recent iMac models, the 2017 iMac Pro, 2020 MacBook Air, and certain MacBook Pro and Mac Pro models. Many of these devices were released close to the beginning of the Apple Silicon transition, benefiting from longer-than-usual support cycles.

An interesting case is the iMac Pro, which Apple launched in 2017, and it's still receiving updates beyond the usual 5-6 years. This suggests Apple's consideration of professional users' needs who might still rely on this hardware for demanding tasks.

Future Prospects

Looking towards the future, macOS 16, anticipated to release in 2025, is expected to mark the tail end of support for Intel Macs. This version is likely to maintain compatibility with the remaining Intel models, ensuring they all benefit from at least five years of support. Beyond this, the introduction of macOS 17 in 2026 is set to focus exclusively on Apple Silicon, effectively phasing out Intel support.

This timeline fits the pattern: six years since Apple's initial transition announcement and three years since the sale of the last Intel-based Mac. For users still on Intel machines, this means they should prepare for a shift or upgrade their hardware soon.

Conclusion

Intel Mac users should be aware that their timeline with the latest macOS updates is about two years until the final Intel-compatible version. After that, while Apple will extend security patches for a couple more years, new feature updates will no longer be available. Fortunately, there are attractive offers for Apple Silicon Macs, such as the M2 MacBook Air, which recently hit a record low price.

To stay updated on this transition and future developments, follow industry experts and consider exploring Apple’s new offerings.

This article was informed by 9to5Mac.