The End of an Era: Apple to Drop Software Support for Intel Macs With macOS 27

Final nails in the coffin arrive as Cupertino shifts focus fully to Apple Silicon

For over a decade, Intel-powered Macs defined Apple’s computing vision—from the iconic MacBook Air to the powerhouse Mac Pro. But that chapter is closing. According to internal sources and a WWDC 2025 confirmation, Apple will discontinue software support for Intel-based Macs starting with macOS 27, expected in late 2026. The move marks the culmination of a five-year transition to Apple Silicon that began in 2020.

Intel Mac owners will still receive critical security updates through 2027, but macOS 26 (2025’s release) will be their last feature-rich upgrade. Afterward, Apple’s developer ecosystem will pivot entirely to its M-series chips, leaving behind machines like the 2020 Intel iMac and 2019 MacBook Pro—hardware once hailed as industry benchmarks.

Why now? Apple’s silicon journey has shattered performance records. M4 Ultra chips now outperform top-tier Intel CPUs by up to 300% in creative workflows, and Apple’s vertical integration lets it optimize macOS at the silicon level. As Craig Federighi noted:

"Our vision for macOS demands harmony between hardware and software. That future is Apple Silicon."

Developers saw this coming. At WWDC 2025, Apple emphasized tools to accelerate native app transitions, including Rosetta 3—a stopgap for Intel apps on newer Macs. The keynote laid out stark timelines:

📺 Watch the pivotal moment: Apple’s WWDC 2025 address on Intel phase-out

The fallout?

💸 Resale value collapse: Intel Macs may lose 40-60% value post-2027.
🔒 Security risks: Unpatched vulnerabilities could target legacy machines.
🛠️ Workflow disruptions: Creative pros using Intel Macs must upgrade or risk app incompatibility.

Not everyone is surprised. Apple’s cadence mirrors its PowerPC-to-Intel shift in 2006—a 5-year sunset period. Still, critics argue dropping support for 7-year-old devices (like the 2019 Mac Pro) feels aggressive. "This strands users who bought high-end Intel systems right before the M1," says TechAnalyst’s Liam Chen.

What’s next?

Trade-in programs: Apple offers up to $650 credit for Intel Macs.
macOS 27: Exclusively for M-series chips, leveraging AI acceleration and ray tracing.
Linux?: Some users may switch to open-source OSes for extended lifespans.

As the curtain falls on Intel Macs, one truth remains: Apple’s relentless push for silicon sovereignty has redrawn computing’s boundaries. The Intel era revolutionized Macs—but in Cupertino’s eyes, revolution never ends.

Got an Intel Mac? Share your upgrade plans at #IntelMacSunset.