GoKawiilOlder M-series MacBooks remain viable buys as macOS 27 drops Intel support
Apple's coming macOS 27 (Golden Gate) update will support MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models with Apple silicon going back to 2020, but it will not run on any Intel-based Mac. Since Apple stopped selling Intel MacBooks in 2021, those machines will only get limited security patches on their last compatible macOS version going forward.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
With RAM and storage prices rising, buying a used or refurbished M1 MacBook Air is still a cost-effective way to get a capable, currently supported machine for everyday tasks like browsing and streaming. Shoppers should prioritize software longevity over sticker price, since an Intel Mac may be cheaper but will soon stop receiving meaningful updates.
- macOS 27 supports Apple silicon MacBooks from 2020 onward but excludes all Intel Macs.
- Apple ended Intel MacBook sales in 2021, and those devices now only get final security patches.
- A used or refurbished M1 MacBook Air remains a good budget option for basic computing in 2026.
Apple MacBook Air M1 — The M1 MacBook Air remains a fantastic budget pick in 2026, still receiving macOS updates and handling everyday browsing, streaming, and productivity tasks with ease. Buying a renewed or refurbished model is a smart way to get Apple silicon performance without paying current-gen prices, exactly the strategy the article recommends.
See Apple MacBook Air M1 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Thomas Godwin, 2026-09-15
Published there as: “Are older MacBooks still worth buying in 2026?”
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