Apple has officially announced macOS 26 Tahoe, the latest major update to the Mac operating system, during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. This release marks a significant milestone as it will be the final version to support Intel processors, concluding a 20-year partnership with Intel that began in 2006.
This shift underscores Apple’s strategic move towards prioritizing its Apple Silicon processors, which offer superior performance per watt over the Intel x86 architecture. Although Apple initially announced a two-year transition to Apple Silicon in 2020, Intel Macs continued to be sold until 2023. With macOS 26 Tahoe, users running Intel-based systems will still receive security updates until at least late 2028.
The announcement aligns with Apple’s commitment to providing a smooth transition for its users. This is in stark contrast to the abrupt discontinuation of PowerPC support years ago. While this move signifies the end of the Hackintosh era, where macOS could be installed on non-Apple hardware, Intel Macs will still find utility in running alternative systems like Linux.
Additionally, the release of macOS 26 Tahoe follows macOS 15 Sequoia, which introduced features such as iPhone mirroring, window tiling, and enhanced Apple Intelligence integration. As Apple fully transitions to ARM-based processors, the Mac Mini M4 emerges as the most affordable entry point into its ecosystem, pushing the boundaries of performance and efficiency.

Collections

Apple announced macOS 26 Tahoe as the final version supporting Intel processors, ending a 20-year partnership that began in 2006. Intel Mac users will receive security updates until late 2028, marking Apple's complete transition to Apple Silicon processors. This move concludes the Hackintosh era while Intel Macs can still run alternative operating systems like Linux. The transition emphasizes Apple's focus on ARM-based processors for superior performance and efficiency.

Apple Announces Final Intel-Supported macOS: macOS 26 Tahoe

No-one will burn their hands now. On the Mx processors I never heard my cooler and it never got hot. :P