If you've had your Mac for a few years, Apple made an announcement worth knowing about. macOS 26 Tahoe, the most recent operating system released last fall, is the last major macOS update that will support Intel-based Macs. The next release, expected this fall, will only run on Macs with Apple's silicon M-series chips.
If that doesn't mean much to you yet, that's okay. Here's a breakdown that tells you more about the upcoming change, if it affects you, and what your options are.
First: Do You Have an Intel Mac?
It's easy to check. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac. Look at the line that says "Chip" or "Processor."
- If it says Intel, this blog applies to you.
- If it says M1, M2, M3, M4, or M5, you're on Apple silicon and you're in good shape.
Not sure what you're looking at? We're happy to help you figure it out.
What Happens When macOS Support Ends?
You'll stop receiving new features
Each year, Apple releases a major macOS update with new tools and capabilities. Once Intel Macs are no longer supported, they'll stay on Tahoe while Apple silicon Macs continue moving forward. It's not that your Mac stops working, it's more that it stops keeping up.
Some Intel Macs are already on their last supported OS
Worth knowing: Not every Intel Mac was able to upgrade to Tahoe. Only a handful of 2019–2020 models made the compatibility list. If your Mac is a 2018 model or older, it's already been on its final OS version. Those devices were never able to upgrade to Tahoe. If you're in that boat, this post still applies to you.
Apps like Microsoft 365 may eventually require a newer macOS
Major software publishers periodically update their minimum system requirements, and macOS version is often part of that. Apps like Microsoft 365, Google Chrome, Zoom, and others have historically dropped support for older operating systems over time. This means an app you rely on today may eventually require a macOS version your Intel Mac can't run. It typically doesn't happen overnight, but it tends to catch people off guard when it does.
Banking and financial platforms could eventually be affected
Many banks, brokerage platforms, and retirement account providers require users to be on a relatively recent version of macOS as a security baseline. As Macs fall further behind on OS versions over time, some users have found themselves locked out of online account access. It might not be an immediate concern, but it's worth keeping in mind as a practical consideration down the road.
Repairs and parts will become more limited over time
Apple classifies older hardware as "vintage" and eventually "obsolete," at which point genuine parts availability through Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers becomes limited. Intel Macs are gradually moving into that range. If your Mac needs a repair, sooner is generally better than later.
Need service on your Intel Mac? We can help while parts are still available. Schedule your repair now.
What Are Your Options?
Keep using your Mac
There's no reason you can't continue using your Intel Mac. Security updates from Apple will continue for some time after Tahoe, and your Mac will keep doing what it does today. For a lot of people, this is the right call if the machine is running well and meets your needs.
Consider trading in and upgrading
If you've been thinking about a new Mac, now is a reasonable time to act. Some Intel Macs still have trade-in value, but they'll naturally decline over time as the hardware ages. Putting that value toward a new Mac means full OS support, better performance, and better battery life. Apple has also recently upgraded the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and added the brand new MacBook Neo. MacExperience offers competitive trade-in values, and we guarantee at least $50 in trade-in credit regardless of the age, condition, or type of computer.
See what your Intel Mac could be worth.
Questions? We Can Help.
If you're not sure what you have, what it's worth, or whether it makes sense to upgrade, feel free to stop in or reach out. There's no pressure! We're here to give you our honest opinion and help provide you guidance.