GoKawiilmacOS 27 Golden Gate drops all support for Intel-based MacBooks
Apple's upcoming macOS 27, codenamed Golden Gate, will only run on Apple silicon Macs, cutting off every Intel-based MacBook. The cutoff includes 2020 MacBooks except for the M1 chip versions of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, meaning most MacBooks from 2021 onward remain supported. Users can check their chip type via the Apple menu's 'About This Mac' option.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This marks the definitive end of Apple's five-year transition away from Intel processors that began in 2020, suggesting the company sees little reason to maintain legacy compatibility once its silicon lineup is fully established. A former Intel engineer cited in the report suggests the shift may partly stem from quality issues with Intel's Skylake chips, though Apple has not confirmed this as a motive. Owners of Intel Macs still get security updates through roughly September 2028 if past support patterns hold, giving them a runway before hardware upgrades become necessary.
- macOS 27 Golden Gate supports only Apple silicon Macs, with no Intel compatibility.
- Exceptions include the M1 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air from 2020.
- Intel Mac users may still receive security updates until around September 2028.
Apple MacBook Air M3 — If your Intel-based MacBook just got left behind by macOS 27 Golden Gate, the M3 MacBook Air is a great way to jump into the Apple silicon era. It's fully compatible with future macOS updates for years to come, and offers a big leap in speed and battery life over any Intel Mac. A perfect, lightweight upgrade for anyone ready to leave Intel behind for good.
See Apple MacBook Air M3 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 — Deven Mcclure, 2026-09-26
Published there as: “The MacBook models that macOS 27 Golden Gate does not support”
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