Speculation about last macOS version to support Intel Macs

[Andres Cantu]

With the upcoming release of macOS Sonoma, it looks like Apple is speeding up the phasing-out of Intel Macs. If I had to guess, I would say this would be the list of supported Macs for macOS 15 (with it being the last version that would support Intel processors):

• MacBook Air (2020 or later)
• MacBook Pro (2020 or later)
• Mac mini (2020 or later)
• iMac (2020 or later)
• Mac Pro (2019 or later)
• Mac Studio (2022 or later)

This would mean that, since the release of Macs with the M1 processor, there would have been 5 major macOS versions to support Intel (11 through 15).

Do you agree with that list, or would you think Apple extends that timeline by a year or two?

 

[Serqetry]

I think we'll be lucky to get a MacOS after Sonoma that supports Intel. They want to kill Intel support ASAP and I don't think they care how we feel about it.

 

[ssmed]

I think we'll be lucky to get a MacOS after Sonoma that supports Intel. They want to kill Intel support ASAP and I don't think they care how we feel about it.

As long as there are security updates for a few years, people will be OK with it. Running brand new OSs on old hardware is often not a great experience.

 

[padams35]

The Late 2019 16" Macbook Pro (100% confident) and Late 2018 Mini (95% confident) will also be supported. Maybe/hopefully other 2019 models too. But yah, MacOS 15 will be the last for Intel. I was hoping for MacOS16 would still support Intel, but the 2017 iMac was the canary. When Apple dropped that my hope also died.

Best case:
MacbookAir: 2019 and later
Macbook Pro: 2019 and later
Mac Mini: 2018 and later
iMac: 2019* and later
Mac Pro: 2019 and later
*SSD plausibly required, or more likely 'iMac: 2020 and later'

Worst Case:
MacbookAir: Early 2020 and later
Macbook Pro: Late 2019 and later
Mac Mini: Late 2018* and later
iMac: Mid 2020 and later
Mac Pro: 2019** and Later
*Absolute worst case: Mac Mini: 2020 M1 and later
**W5500X and newer required. Polaris and Vega GPUs not support.

 

[frou]

I'm hoping that the last Intel Mac Mini (2018) will get an extra release because a) Apple were still selling it until early this year, and b) it's a slightly unusual Mac because hosting companies have tons of them running in racks to offer services that help Apple-platform developers.

 

[Longplays]

Almost all Intel Macs historically had 8 years Software Updates + 2 years additional Security Updates.

With macOS Sonoma it appears that Apple shortened it to 6 years Software Updates + 2 years additional Security Updates.

The last Intel Macs released was the 2020 iMac 27" 5K. Hopefully their final Software Update will occur in 2026 & final Security Update in 2028.

By 2028 do yourself a favor and buy a new computer based on the 2028 M6 0.1nm (A10) chip.

 

[Longplays]

I'm hoping that the last Intel Mac Mini (2018) will get an extra release because a) Apple were still selling it until early this year, and b) it's a slightly unusual Mac because hosting companies have tons of them running in racks to offer services that help Apple-platform developers.

Ask the hosting companies if demand for the 2018 Mac mini Intel have dropped since the 2020 Mac mini M1 was introduced.

They'll likely decomission the Intel Macs as soon as no one's ordering time for them.

 

[okkibs]

Sonoma this year supports Intel MBPs 2018, 2019 and 2020. So if MacOS 2024 would support the MBP 2019 onwards, they might give it one additional year for the 2020 MBP. MacOS 2025 would then be the final release for Intel Macs, perhaps including the last Intel MBA and the Mini as well since it wouldn't make much sense to only support a single Intel model.

Or they just drop support for the 2020 MBP extremely early. 4 years of major OS upgrades would be ridiculously short.

With macOS Sonoma it appears that Apple shortened it to 6 years Software Updates + 2 years additional Security Updates.

Apple now only guarantees full security update support for the latest supported major version, so the 2 years of additional support aren't really there anymore. Certainly not for businesses that need to remain in compliance with IT security guidelines and best practices. "Cyber" insurances these days also require that since costs have exploded with cryptolocker-style malware taking out all sorts of businesses for extended periods and even bankrupting some.

 

[Longplays]

Apple now only guarantees full security update support for the latest supported major version, so the 2 years of additional support aren't really there anymore. Certainly not for businesses that need to remain in compliance with IT security guidelines and best practices. "Cyber" insurances these days also require that since costs have exploded with cryptolocker-style malware taking out all sorts of businesses for extended periods and even bankrupting some.

Link?

 

[elptdbi3lYI]

With Game Porting Toolkit they basically extended lifetime of Rosetta, that might offset Intel support somewhat

 

[padams35]

Sonoma this year supports Intel MBPs 2018, 2019 and 2020. So if MacOS 2024 would support the MBP 2019 onwards, they might give it one additional year for the 2020 MBP. MacOS 2025 would then be the final release for Intel Macs, perhaps including the last Intel MBA and the Mini as well since it wouldn't make much sense to only support a single Intel model.

Or they just drop support for the 2020 MBP extremely early. 4 years of major OS upgrades would be ridiculously short.

Good point, and agreed. The most optimistic take is that the iMac Pro support makes Sonoma "Late 2017 and newer", in which case MacOS 2024 would be "Late 2018 and newer", and MacOS 2025 might be "Late 2019 and newer" before MacOS 2026 goes AS only. We should have some hope for 2x more Intel supported release.

 

[Fishrrman]

The Intel-based Mac Pro remained in the lineup until the introduction of the m-series Mac Pro only a week ago.

That tells me that OS support for Intel will continue for 4-5 more years to come.

 

[Serqetry]

You all seem overly optimistic based on past Apple behaviour... but I really don't think that means anything. They could drop all Intel support at any time, unless they've made a promise I'm not aware of. I really hope you're correct and Apple keeps Intel support in MacOS for at least a few more years... but I feel like they were almost desperate to get rid of all Intel machines from the lineup with the joke they call the new Mac Pro. I won't be surprised if they terminate all Intel support early with the exception of security updates.

 

[NoBoMac]

Link?

About software updates for Apple devices

Before you begin to manage software updates and upgrades, understand how Apple handles the process.

support.apple.com

Note: Because of dependency on architecture and system changes to any current version of Apple operating systems (for example, macOS 13, iOS 16, and so on), not all known security issues are addressed in previous versions (for example, macOS 12, iOS 15, and so on).

Not an explicit number of years for this, but basically boils down to might, might not get a security update.

Another link: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/202...olicy-only-the-latest-oses-are-fully-patched/

 

[Longplays]

Not an explicit number of years for this, but basically boils down to might, might not get a security update.

👍