Apple ends support for classic Intel Macs with new update

In the United States, Apple recently announced the introduction of macOS Tahoe, which marks the final major update for numerous Intel-based Macs, including models released as recently as 2020. This update reflects Apple's long-term strategy and substantial transition towards its proprietary Apple Silicon chips, a shift that began in 2020 and was completed by 2023. As part of this move, Apple indicated that Intel-based Macs would no longer receive major software updates, thus concluding years of support for the older architecture, which is increasingly becoming less capable of handling contemporary software demands. Consumers, particularly those who own Intel MacBook Pro models, have expressed concerns regarding the growing incompatibility with modern applications designed for Apple Silicon. The inability to perform efficiently with more demanding software is causing users to encounter “unsupported” error messages when attempting to use third-party applications tailored exclusively for the newer architecture. Older Intel processors struggle with the requirements for on-device processing, which further exacerbates the divide between the experiences of users on differing hardware platforms. As announced, the upcoming macOS update will only be available for Macs compatible with Apple Silicon architecture, thereby leading to significant operational hurdles for users with Intel-based devices. Although security updates will continue for three years after the last major update, users must now grapple with the reality that their devices will not benefit from new features, leaving many to reconsider their hardware choices in light of these developments. Apple's transition from Intel processors to in-house developed chips is part of broader industry trends towards exploitation of their own architecture capabilities. As Rosetta technology, which facilitated running Intel-based applications on Apple Silicon, is expected to cease support in future updates, users may find their existing software becoming obsolete if not updated to align with Apple’s new architecture. This bifurcation of the Mac ecosystem signifies a significant shift and poses critical considerations for users regarding future hardware and software plans.