Apple is preparing to notify users that support for Intel-based Macs is nearing its end, a move signaling the final stage of the company’s transition to its own silicon. The warnings will begin appearing with the release of macOS 26.4, slated for release this spring. This builds on the previously announced plan that , during the Platforms State of the Union, Apple confirmed macOS Tahoe would be the last major operating system version to support Intel Macs.
The upcoming macOS 26.4 release will specifically warn users if their installed applications are likely to become incompatible once Rosetta 2, Apple’s translation layer for running Intel-based applications on Apple Silicon Macs, is fully phased out. While Rosetta 2 will continue to function on Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 27, support will end entirely with the release of macOS 28. This means users of older Intel Macs will face increasing limitations as they attempt to run software designed for the older architecture.
Apple began its shift away from Intel processors in with the introduction of the M1 chip. The transition was completed across the entire product line two years ago with the M2 Ultra Mac Pro. However, Apple continued to sell older Intel-based models, like the 2018 Mac mini and the 2019 Mac Pro, until . These late adopters are now facing the most immediate impact of the support cutoff.
The core issue revolves around Rosetta 2. This technology allowed users to continue running applications built for Intel processors on Apple’s newer Apple Silicon Macs. It essentially translates the Intel instructions into instructions that the Apple Silicon chips can understand. However, maintaining Rosetta 2 requires ongoing development and resources, and Apple has determined that focusing solely on Apple Silicon is the most efficient path forward. “Apple Silicon enables us all to achieve things that were previously unimaginable, and it’s time to put all of our focus and innovation there,” Apple stated.
While many popular applications have already been updated to run natively on Apple Silicon, a significant number of older programs and games have not. These applications will cease to function on future macOS versions without significant updates from their developers – updates that are unlikely to materialize for many niche or abandoned projects. The warnings in macOS 26.4 are intended to give users time to find alternatives or upgrade their hardware.
The impact isn’t immediate. Apple has indicated that even after macOS Tahoe, Intel Macs will continue to receive security updates until fall , assuming the company maintains its typical update schedule. This provides a degree of continued security for users who are unable or unwilling to upgrade immediately. However, it’s important to understand that these will be security-only updates; no new features or improvements will be added.
The four Intel Macs that will continue to receive macOS Tahoe updates are the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 2020 Intel 13-inch MacBook Pro, the 2020 iMac, and the 2019 Mac Pro. Users with other Intel-based Macs will face a more pressing need to consider their options.
For developers, this marks a clear deadline. Any applications intended for a wider macOS audience must be compatible with Apple Silicon. Continuing to support Intel-only applications will become increasingly difficult and limit the potential user base. The transition also highlights the importance of Universal Apps – applications built to run natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon architectures.
The end of Intel Mac support represents a significant milestone in Apple’s hardware strategy. It’s a decisive move that underscores the company’s commitment to its own silicon and its vision for the future of its computing platforms. While the transition may cause inconvenience for some users, it ultimately allows Apple to optimize its hardware and software for a more integrated and efficient experience. The warnings in macOS 26.4 are a crucial step in preparing users for this new reality.
