macOS 26 Tahoe: Last release for Intel, Launchpad says goodbye
Grace period for users without Apple Silicon: Apple is still bringing macOS 26 to some Intel machines. But macOS 27 is the end. LaunchPad is also waving goodbye
End of the road: macOS 26 ends Intel support.
(Image: Screenshot Apple.com)
With macOS 26 aka Tahoe, the Intel era is coming to an end at Apple. This was confirmed by the iPhone company at its "Platforms State of the Union" keynote on Monday evening. Accordingly, the operating system to be released in the fall will be the last macOS to support Intel Macs. In addition, their number has been reduced once again. MacBook Air models with an Intel chip from 2020 will no longer be supported, as will Intel MacBook Pro machines from 2018, 2019 (exception: 16-inch model) and 2020 (exception: 13-inch model with four TB3 ports), which currently still support macOS 15 alias Sequoia. The iMac 4K and 5K from 2019 are also being phased out, as are the iMac Pro (2017) and Mac mini from 2018. All earlier machines are no longer supported anyway.
Focus on ARM processors
From macOS 27, which will be released in fall 2026, only Apple Silicon Macs will be able to run the latest macOS. It is unclear whether Apple will then begin to withdraw support for earlier Apple Silicon machines, as there are currently no indications of this. Apple launched the first Macs with an ARM chip, the Apple M1, in November 2020. The most recent processor is the M4, which first appeared in 2024. In future, Apple wants to focus entirely on developing software for Apple Silicon machines. Security updates are likely to be available for a little longer, although the company does not usually fix all gaps in old versions.
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The next Apple Silicon chip, the M5, is expected to be unveiled in the fall. macOS 26, aka Tahoe, will also be released in the fall. Developers have been able to test a beta version since this week, a public beta will follow in July. The new operating system comes with a new "Liquid Glass" look, which includes new, rounded windows, various new icons and operating changes. The Spotlight search function has been greatly expanded and redesigned, and there are new shortcuts and more AI functions as part of Apple Intelligence.
Major changes to the user interface
One of the new features is that Apple is revamping its Launchpad, which has not been revised for a long time. This allows apps to be launched and found quickly, independently of the Dock and Spotlight. In macOS 26, the interface has been completely redesigned and becomes an "Applications" feature that is fundamentally similar to the app library in iOS.
Apps are sorted here according to various criteria, such as productivity or tools. The new Launchpad will be part of the Spotlight redesign. Users will have to prepare for some changes. Apple has also brought Mac, iPhone and iPad closer together with its new Liquid Glass interface.
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