macOS Tahoe Breaks the Last Ties with Intel

The new macOS version Tahoe marks the beginning of the end of the Intel era for Apple. By 2028, Apple wants to completely move away from Macs with Intel processors.

During the eve of WWDC, Apple showcased the latest versions of its operating system, as per annual tradition. Just like iOS and iPadOS, macOS is switching to the new numbering scheme based on the year. macOS 26 will be better known colloquially as macOS Tahoe. Apple confirms that macOS Tahoe will be available from September 15.

Apple is dressing up its operating systems this year in a new design called Liquid Glass. This gives the different platforms a uniform look, but that’s not the only way macOS and iOS are growing closer together. macOS Tahoe introduces a new Phone app that will allow you to make calls more intuitively with your Mac.

macos tahoe phone app — The new Phone app of macOS.

The Spotlight feature is being expanded so that apps on your iPhone will also be accessible on your laptop. Apple Intelligence is being more deeply integrated into the macOS operating system, although a major AI revolution at Apple is not yet on the horizon. A full overview of new macOS features can be found here.

Swan Song for Intel

macOS Tahoe seems more like the closure of an old era than the start of a new one. With the new macOS version, Apple is gradually severing its last ties with Intel. Only four Intel-powered Mac models, launched in 2019 or 2020, will still be able to make the transition to Tahoe. Security updates will continue until 2028.

The definitive break between Apple and Intel was only a matter of time. Since Apple made the switch to its own M processors, the Intel models have been sidelined. This year, the fifth generation of M processors is expected. The discontinuation of Intel processors means that Rosetta will also become obsolete in the long term.

The technology served to “translate” Intel apps to the ARM architecture on which the Apple M processors are developed, just as Rosetta once had to accelerate the transition to Intel. Apple will keep Rosetta on board at least until macOS 2027 to support legacy apps.

After the public testing phase, macOS Tahoe is ready for commercial rollout. From September 15, you can install the new macOS version on supported devices.