macOS 27 requires Apple Silicon, as Apple draws down the Intel Mac era

In a significant move, Apple has confirmed that the upcoming macOS 27, dubbed Golden Gate, will only support devices powered by its own Apple Silicon chips. This marks the end of compatibility for Intel-based Macs, a transition that has been anticipated for some time. The original M1 chip, introduced in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini in late 2020, will be the minimum requirement for users wanting to upgrade. Existing Intel Macs currently running macOS 26 Tahoe will continue to receive essential security updates and Safari patches for approximately two more years following the launch of macOS 27. Meanwhile, those using macOS 15 Sequoia can expect an additional year of support. While Apple Silicon machines will maintain the capability to run Intel applications via the Rosetta 2 compatibility layer in macOS 27, Apple plans to limit this feature in future releases, primarily to assist older games that rely on Intel-based code. The shift away from Intel Macs has been gradual, with each new macOS version leaving behind a growing number of older Intel machines. However, many users who invested in late-model Intel Macs during 2019 and 2020 will still be able to access the latest operating system. Additionally, innovative tools like the OpenCore Legacy Patcher have enabled more daring users to extend the usability of their unsupported devices, allowing them to remain relevant a bit longer in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.