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Last month at WWDC, Apple announced its upcoming update for MacOS 26, dubbed “Tahoe,” which includes several app additions, a supercharged Spotlight feature, and a host of new design customizations anchored around Apple’s “Liquid Glass” UI aesthetic we’re seeing across its devices.
Also: Your old MacBook’s days are numbered, as Apple confirms end of support
But baked into all the updates, Apple quietly dropped the news that MacOS 26 will be the last operating system supported by Intel-based Macs. After this update, Apple will stop supporting these older devices with new updates and access to the latest operating systems.
Along those lines, not every Mac will support MacOS 26, as some of the pre-2020 MacBooks with Intel chips are not compatible. This news didn’t come as a major shock for most — Windows is dropping support for a wide swath of PCs later this year — but it’s still not what a lot of MacBook owners want to hear.
If you have a Mac and aren’t sure whether your device will support the new operating system, we’ve got the full list to make sense of the updates.
Which Mac models will get MacOS 26 Tahoe?
The following Macs will be able to support MacOS 26 when it releases this fall:
- MacBook Pro M1 or later
- MacBook Pro 16-inch (Intel) 2019
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (Intel) 2020 with four Thunderbolt 3 ports
- MacBook Air M1 or later
- Mac Studio 2022 and later
- Mac Pro 2019 or later
- Mac mini 2020 or later
- iMac 2020 or later
As Apple said, it will be the last operating system Intel-based devices will support, so if you have one of those on this list, you’ll probably want to upgrade and stay on Tahoe for the remainder of the device’s lifecycle.
Also: Every iPhone model that can be updated to Apple’s iOS 26 (and which ones can’t)
MacOS 26 Tahoe won’t be fully released to the public until September of this year, but if you’re itching for a sneak peek, you can participate in the beta test, which kicked off earlier this week.
How can I identify my Mac model?
This is the easy part. Just navigate to the Apple icon in the top left corner of the menu bar and click “About this Mac.” You’ll be able to see your model’s full name there.
Which Mac models will no longer be supported?
If you have a MacBook from before 2020 with an Intel chip, it likely won’t be supported (unless it’s one of the models listed above). This includes the MacBook Air from 2020 and the two-port MacBook Pro 13-inch, both with Intel processors. Anything from 2018 or earlier is also not supported.
Also: The best MacOS 26 features that Windows PC users have been enjoying for years
If you have one of these Macs, your device will still work, but you’ll need to remain on MacOS 15 Sequoia for the remainder of its lifecycle.
MacOS 26 public beta vs full release: What’s the difference?
The MacOS 26 beta version is different than the general release because it’s still in development during the beta. During the initial period, developers and testers can evaluate the software and optimize their apps and services for better launch stability. Now that the public beta is out, a good portion of the newly announced features are available, though they may not be optimized, may be buggy, or may not be fully complete.
Also: How to install MacOS 26 on your MacBook (and which models support it)
After months of beta testing, the general release should launch in tandem with Apple’s fall products, including the latest iPhone model. It is then that MacOS 26 will likely see a mass rollout, prompting all eligible Mac users to download the software.
While the full release typically doesn’t include as many bugs and glitches as the beta, users may experience some issues during the first few weeks and months. Regardless, you’ll want to look through the update logs as you’re downloading the software to fully understand the features and benefits you’re getting.
When will MacOS 26 be released?
Apple typically releases its new operating systems for public beta access a few weeks after WWDC, and it this year the public beta went live on July 24th. The public beta program lets users test developing software to pinpoint bugs and performance issues. This process lets software teams make any necessary fixes and releases before the new system reaches general availability.
Also: Your Mac is about to get a huge Spotlight upgrade – finally
Apple released MacOS 15 out of beta on Sept. 16, 2024, a week after its “Glowtime” event. We expect the same with MacOS 26.
What is a software beta?
A software beta is a version of a program or operating system initially released to a limited group of users to gather feedback and iron out bugs. The beta release lets a developer or company test its software program or system to emulate real-world use before a general release.
Also: Apple just gave me a compelling reason to ditch my MacBook for an iPad. Here’s why
The beta phase follows alpha testing, where software is developed and tested internally within the company.
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