Apple has unveiled its latest operating system, macOS 27 Golden Gate, set to launch this fall, which will exclusively support devices with Apple silicon. The shift away from Intel Macs means that users will lose access to legacy x86 applications, including numerous games, if they choose to upgrade. Compatibility is straightforward: any Mac equipped with Apple silicon will be able to run the new software.
Notable models that can operate on macOS 27 include the MacBook Neo (2026 and later), MacBook Air (2020 and later), MacBook Pro (2020 and later), Mac mini (2020 and later), iMac (2021 and later), Mac Studio (2022 and later), and Mac Pro (2023). The transition means that several Intel-powered Macs, including the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro and the 2020 iMac, will no longer be supported.
Despite the discontinuation of support, Apple plans to offer security updates for Intel Macs until 2029, ensuring users are protected from significant vulnerabilities. However, to access the most advanced features of Siri AI and the enhanced Liquid Glass interface, users will need a Mac with at least an M3 chip and 12GB of RAM, necessitating a hardware upgrade for many current users.