Google Gemini-generated image showing macOS 27 icon on an iMac
This is another gentle reminder that macOS 26 Tahoe is the last major macOS version that will be compatible with Intel-based Macs.
Apple’s upcoming macOS 27 release, which will be unveiled at next week’s WWDC26 keynote address and will be available almost immediately after for beta testing by developers, will be compatible with Apple silicon Macs only, meaning you’ll need a Mac with an M-series chip or a MacBook Neo with an A18 Pro chip. The new operating system will be released to the public in September.
Apple has said that Intel-based Macs will continue to receive macOS security updates for three years.
Intel-based Macs that can run macOS Tahoe but will not be compatible with macOS 27 include:
While macOS 27’s exact compatibility with all Apple silicon Macs remains to be announced, the update will most assuredly support all Macs with an M1 chip or newer (and the MacBook Neo’s A18 Pro chip).
While macOS 27 will still be able to run Intel apps, as it will include Apple’s full Rosetta translation layer, it will be the final major macOS release to do so. However, a subset of Rosetta functionality aimed at supporting older unmaintained gaming titles, that rely on Intel-based frameworks will be available.