From Engadget · Deven McClure · · 1m 50s
Intel Macs hit the end of the line with macOS 27
Apple's Golden Gate update drops support for all Intel MacBooks, marking the final step in the shift to Apple silicon that began in 2020.
In brief
Apple's Golden Gate update drops support for all Intel MacBooks, marking the final step in the shift to Apple silicon that began in 2020. macOS 27 Golden Gate no longer supports Intel MacBooks, though Intel Macs will receive security updates through September 2028. Originally reported by Engadget.
Golden Gate arrives with AI Siri
macOS 27 Golden Gate has launched with new features including an AI-centric Siri overhaul, AI photo editing tools, automatic tab organization in Safari, and general performance enhancements.
Intel MacBooks cannot run the update
Golden Gate draws a line at the start of the Apple silicon era. If your MacBook uses an Intel chip, macOS 27 is incompatible across the board, regardless of model year.
Apple silicon Macs from 2020 qualify
Generally, if your MacBook is from 2021 or later, you can upgrade to Golden Gate. Two 2020 release exceptions exist: the M1 chip versions of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air also run it.
How to check your Mac's processor
Click the Apple menu at the top-left of the screen and choose About This Mac. If you see Chip followed by an M-series processor like M3, you have Apple silicon. Intel Macs show Processor followed by a CPU model like Intel Core i5.
Intel transition began in 2020
The Mac transition away from Intel hardware has been in the works since 2020. According to a former Intel engineer, it may have come down to increasingly bad quality assurance with Intel's Skylake line.
Intel Macs get two more years of support
If Apple's recent support timelines continue, macOS Tahoe will receive two more years of security updates, covering Intel Mac users through September 2028. After that point, it will be time to upgrade.
The key point
macOS 27 Golden Gate no longer supports Intel MacBooks, though Intel Macs will receive security updates through September 2028.
