Mac OS 16 - Intel Support - Death is nigh?

[gumbaloom]

Hi all,

So Apple has now obsoluted all but 2 Intel machines.

Do we think OSX 16 will have Intel Support ?

Considering the huge wedge of Apple Silicon only features that came in 15 + bar 2 vintage machines everything now obsolute it seems highly unlikely to me that Apple will want to invest in retaining Intel support.

What's the wisdom of the crowd ?

I'm kinda preparing myself for the worst and having to buy a new machine in June when I'm in Tokyo. Probably the high end of the standard models with 24GB ram as I need a machine thats got "current" support not just absolute bare essential security updates for work liability reasons.

gumbaloom

 

[Bigwaff]

This poll a nothing burger. Even if so, Sonoma and Sequoia will receive updates for several years if current trends hold. Intel Macs will not stop working. Nobody has to rush out and buy an AS Mac because Intel support dropped from macOS 16.

 

[frou]

I think if we rewound 5 years to when M1 was introduced, most people would be surprised that Intel support has ended up lasting as long as it has.

BTW the Vintage/Obsolete status is about hardware service, i.e. spare part availability. Never has been about guaranteed OS updates or patches. Apple is extremely evasive about putting down in writing a policy for that.

 

[gumbaloom]

This poll a nothing burger. Even if so, Sonoma and Sequoia will receive updates for several years if current trends hold. Intel Macs will not stop working. Nobody has to rush out and buy an AS Mac because Intel support dropped from macOS 16.

Oh for sure - my Intel Mac Mini 2018 is still going ver much strong.

The problem is when you're handling customer data - bare bones absolutely critical security updates doesn't cut it.

I'm quite sure I will be able this mac for a long time as a file server etc as I have my 2012 mac thats still working and updated to the max with ram and SSD etc.

Can I use a machine that is now on the run down to being obsolute with no more guaranteed parts and no more major OS updates for work purposes ? Nope - upgrade times.... It's got Apple Care on it till July of this year but is it really worth paying out for more apple care now it's in "vintage" status.

 

[Bigwaff]

The problem is when you're handling customer data - bare bones absolutely critical security updates doesn't cut it.

I think you are being somewhat dramatic. Customer not going to care if your macOS is not the latest. If used for “work”, install 3rd party virus / malware scanner. Such software will support Sonoma and Sequoia for years to come. Also use VPN. Basically use common sense while on internet and all will be ok.

Can I use a machine that is now on the run down to being obsolute with no more guaranteed parts and no more major OS updates for work purposes ? Nope - upgrade times

Yes, of course you can. We’ll have to agree to disagree.

 

[gumbaloom]

I think you are being somewhat dramatic.

Company liability insurance that dictates machines with latest OS

macOS

www.ncsc.gov.uk

macOS devices typically receive software updates for around 6-7 years after first release. Once a device is vintage or obsolete, it no longer receives updates. At this point, you should purchase newer devices.

Even the UK government recommends hardware upgrades once a machine goes obsolete.

Just to re-iterate - I'm not talking about home use - I'm talking about using for business / professional purposes handling sensitive date.

 

[gilby101]

Company liability insurance that dictates machines with latest OS

Wait for announcement re macOS 16. If not supported on your Mac, plan purchase for September.

 

[gumbaloom]

Wait for announcement re macOS 16. If not supported on your Mac, plan purchase for September.

Yep - got a trip up to Tokyo late June so if they say its bye bye Intel Mac at WWDC then a trip to the Apple Store is on the cards.

The question is - is it worth maintaining Apple Care (due to renew in July0. If my machine is obsolete guess and I end up getting a new one might drop it...

Was lucky this time last year that got another year of support but am thinking this will be the year of bey bye Intel. I'll be surprised if Apple makes the effort / expenditure to retain support for Intel if everything br 2 machines are obsolete.

 

[gilby101]

is it worth maintaining Apple Care

You have to do your own research. The value depends on the country where you buy it (e.g. Australia has stronger consumer laws than USA), need of international support, your risk profile.

So Apple has now obsoluted all but 2 Intel machines.

There are no Obsolete Macs which support Sequoia. I make it 3 or 4 models which are Vintage. As has already been said these terms relate to hardware support, not software.

This is my list of models supported by Sequoia:

Mac Pro 2019 (discontinued June 2023)
iMac 2019 27" & 21.5" (discontinued April 2021)
iMac 2020 (discontinued March 2022)
*Mini 2018 (discontinued January 2023)
MBA 2020 (discontinued November 2020)
MBP 2020 13" (2 models discontinued November 2020 and October 2021)
MBP 2019 13" (discontinued May 2020)
MBP 2019 16" (discontinued October 2021)
*MBP 2019 15" (discontinued November 2019)
*MBP 2018 15" & 13" (both discontinued May 2019)
The discontinued date is useful in estimating when likely to be removed from support.

* These are Vintage hardware.

my Intel Mac Mini 2018 is still going ver much strong.

Never mind the Vintage hardware, those who purchased one at the end of 2022 are going to be complaining if it loses latest macOS support in 2025. Even more those with Mac Pro 2019 which was still being sold 2 years ago.

 

[pappkristof]

I guess it will be the last version to support Intel. It would be a shame to drop support for the 5000+ USD Intel Mac Pro that was only replaced in 2023.

 

[14dcutaneo]

We'll find out the real answer in 1 month with WWDC on June 9th. I'm personally hoping for one more year of support, and for Apple to be transparent that the next release will be the final one for Intel. In the recent past, they have made it transparent when getting rid of support for legacy items (32-bit apps, kexts, etc)