Apple has confirmed that the forthcoming macOS 27 Golden Gate will no longer support Intel-based Macs, marking a significant transition in its hardware ecosystem. This version will require a Mac with an Apple Silicon chip, such as the original M1 introduced in late 2020.
Current Intel Macs running macOS 26 Tahoe will receive security updates and Safari patches for approximately two more years following the release of macOS 27. Meanwhile, those on macOS 15 Sequoia can expect one additional year of updates.
Compatibility and Transition
While Apple Silicon Macs will maintain the ability to run Intel applications through the Rosetta 2 compatibility layer, future updates will restrict this feature primarily to support older games that still utilize Intel code. This change is part of a broader trend where each new macOS version has increasingly excluded older Intel Macs.
Notably, Apple’s compatibility list for macOS 27 does not include any Intel Macs, indicating a complete shift away from supporting this architecture. Previous workarounds, such as the OpenCore Legacy Patcher, which allowed some users to run newer macOS versions on unsupported Intel hardware, will likely be ineffective with this release.
New Features and Requirements
Some features of Apple’s new Apple Intelligence will also be limited based on hardware specifications. While basic functionalities will be available on all Apple Silicon Macs, more advanced features will necessitate an M3 Mac or newer with a minimum of 12GB of RAM.
The first developer beta of macOS 27 is currently available, with a public beta expected to launch in July. The final version is anticipated to be released in the fall.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
