macOS 27 Golden Gate drops support for Intel MacBooks
Apple's newly released macOS 27 Golden Gate no longer supports Intel-based Macs, running only on Apple silicon models. Intel MacBook owners will still receive macOS 26 Tahoe security updates for roughly two more years.
Apple has released its latest operating system, macOS 27 Golden Gate, but not every MacBook owner will be able to install it. For the first time, a macOS release works exclusively with Apple silicon chips, cutting off all Intel-based machines entirely.
As a general rule, MacBook models released in 2021 or later can run the new system. There are two exceptions from 2020: the original M1 versions of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air also qualify for the upgrade. Users unsure of their machine's chip can check by opening the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac." A listing that says "Chip" followed by an M-series name indicates Apple silicon, while a "Processor" entry naming an Intel model means the Mac won't be able to upgrade.
What's new in Golden Gate
Among the update's headline changes is a reworked, AI-driven version of Siri intended to make the assistant more useful for daily tasks. The release also brings a more customizable take on the Liquid Glass design, new AI-powered photo editing tools, automatic tab organization within Safari, and broader performance improvements. The new software additionally requires notably more storage space than the previous Tahoe release.
Why Intel support is ending
Apple began shifting away from Intel processors back in 2020, so the move isn't unexpected. While the transition has been linked to Apple's desire for greater control over its own hardware, a former Intel engineer has suggested that declining quality assurance in Intel's Skylake processor line may also have played a role.
Owners of Intel Macs aren't left without options immediately. If Apple keeps to its usual support pattern, macOS Tahoe will continue receiving security updates for about two more years, extending coverage to roughly September 2028.
