According to a recent announcement by Apple regarding MacOS 15 Sequoia, owners of Intel Macs that are up to six years old may have received mixed news. Most Macs that are compatible with macOS 14 can still run the latest version, but Intel models are expected to be left behind as Apple continues to focus on Apple Silicon characteristics.
A historical analysis of how long Macs receive support for the latest macOS versions shows that there has not been much change this year, but it raises questions about Apple’s future plans for machines with Intel chips.
ArsTechnica conducted a study using over 20 years of data to determine the longevity of Mac eligibility for each year’s macOS version. The study found that Intel Macs made in the mid- to late 2010s receive fewer major macOS updates and fewer years of security updates compared to Macs made in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Despite this, newer Intel systems still receive more support than older PowerPC Macs following the transition to Intel processors.
Specifically, owners of 2018 and 2019 MacBook Air models are among those receiving the shortest update lifespan, as they are unable to run macOS 15. Such models receive less macOS update support compared to the average Intel Mac, which typically receives about seven years of macOS updates and two years of security updates.
Looking towards the future, there are three potential scenarios for Intel Macs in upcoming macOS versions: not being supported beyond macOS 15, some being supported in macOS 16, or the end of Intel support in macOS 17. The uncertainty remains as to what Apple’s next moves will be for Intel Macs.
Overall, while Apple is promoting the new Apple Intelligence features in macOS 15, the shift towards Apple Silicon suggests that most users may benefit from upgrading to newer devices if they can afford to do so. The power of Apple Silicon is expected to provide users with more advanced features and capabilities compared to older Intel models. If users are considering an upgrade this year, opting for an M-powered MacBook Air may be a more beneficial choice than sticking with a recent but more powerful Intel MacBook Pro.
In conclusion, the future of Intel Mac support in upcoming macOS versions remains uncertain, and users may need to consider transitioning to newer Apple Silicon devices for a more optimal computing experience.
Article Source
https://9to5mac.com/2024/06/19/got-an-intel-mac-future/
