
Apple's macOS 26 Marks the End of Intel Chips Era!
2025-06-10
Author: Ming
Goodbye Intel: Apple Shifts Gears Completely
In a groundbreaking announcement, Apple has revealed that its upcoming macOS 26, set for release this autumn, will be the final version to support Intel processors, ending a two-decade partnership with the tech giant.
At the highly-anticipated Worldwide Developer Conference 2025, Matthew Firlik, Apple’s senior director of developer relations, declared, "Apple Silicon enables us all to achieve things that were previously unimaginable. It’s time to focus all our innovation on that." This marks a decisive shift towards Apple's own silicon and a farewell to Intel-powered Macs.
A Trip Down Memory Lane: Intel's Journey with Apple
Apple first embraced Intel processors back in 2006, launching the MacBook Pro with an Intel Core Duo chip. This groundbreaking decision was highlighted at the Macworld Conference where Steve Jobs stated, "Our goal is to create the best personal computers, and that meant leveraging Intel's cutting-edge technology." Little did they know, this partnership would last for nearly twenty years.
The Shift in Technology: Why Apple Made the Change
As the tech landscape evolved, the need for energy-efficient and high-performance processors became paramount, especially with the rise of mobile devices. The introduction of the iPhone in 2007 shifted attention toward performance per watt, a demand that new architecture, particularly ARM-based systems, could fulfill more effectively than Intel's x86 processors.
Intel's Strategic Missteps
Despite its historical significance, Intel struggled to compete in the mobile processing sphere and lagged in the GPU market, prompting internal upheaval, including the dismissal of former CEO Pat Gelsinger in late 2024. In hindsight, Apple’s decisive move towards its own silicon appears not just timely but visionary.
What’s Next for Intel Mac Users?
While Apple is severing ties with Intel, users need not panic just yet. macOS 26 Tahoe will continue to support Intel hardware, and Apple typically ensures security updates for three years after a release. Therefore, Intel-equipped Macs will remain functional—at least until late 2028.
The Future is Bright with Apple Silicon
With the end of Intel compatibility, Apple is racing ahead into a future dominated by its own ARM architecture. This pivot signifies not just a change in hardware but a new era of innovation where Apple can focus on what it does best: crafting technologically advanced, user-centric devices.