Apple’s Strategic Shift: End of Major Updates for Intel Macs After macOS Tahoe

This fall marks a turning point for Apple as it plans to cease major updates for Intel-based Macs with the release of macOS Tahoe, according to senior director Matthew Firlik at the WWDC 2025. This update will be the final release for Intel Macs, signaling Apple’s complete transition to its own Apple Silicon processors.

Transition to Apple Silicon

Apple’s shift from Intel processors to its proprietary Apple Silicon began in 2020 and concluded with the 2023 launch of the new Mac Pro. Lauren Klug, an Apple representative, confirmed that although macOS Tahoe is the last major update, Intel Macs, such as the 2019 MacBook Pro 16-inch, will continue to receive security updates for three more years.

Focus on Apple Silicon

Apple emphasizes that its focus on Apple Silicon enables innovations that were previously unattainable, and the company will now concentrate solely on this platform. Firlik encouraged app developers to support users in switching to Apple Silicon-compatible app versions, if they have not already done so.

Device Support for macOS Tahoe

The list of devices compatible with macOS Tahoe is available on Apple’s website. This includes the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon (2020 and newer), the 2019 MacBook Pro 16-inch, the 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, and all iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro models from 2020 onwards.

macOS Tahoe introduces a refreshed Liquid Glass design, enhanced Spotlight search, support for Live Activities with iPhone, and a new Phone app, continuing to advance the macOS experience.