macOS 27: Intel users annoyed by end of support
Apple fixes many blunders of its predecessor with macOS 27. But unfortunately, Intel users have to stick with the old version.
macOS 27 on a MacBook: Apple Silicon only.
(Image: Apple)
It was clear in advance: With macOS 27, the end of support for Intel Macs sold by Apple until 2023 was to come. Apple officially confirmed this implementation this week. Only computers with the manufacturer's own ARM architecture, called Apple Silicon or M-chips, will be able to run the new macOS, codenamed Golden Gate and available from autumn. The problem: Apple has chosen a release for the “cut-off” that includes various bug fixes and performance improvements.
Controversial operating system remains last Intel bastion
Instead of many new features, Golden Gate focuses on product maintenance, which one might have hoped for from macOS 26 alias Tahoe. This came with a redesigned (and controversial) Liquid Glass design, which is known for graphic errors, strange UI decisions, and interface inconsistencies, among other things. When introducing macOS 27, Apple explicitly emphasized that they had looked at everything carefully to improve macOS. For example, speed increases, more visible tab bars, and much more are being advertised. Intel users can no longer benefit from all of this; they remain stuck on Tahoe. It is also unclear how long security updates will be available for it.
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The last Intel Macs Apple brought to market are not that old. For example, a MacBook Pro with the processor was released in 2020 (the same year as the first M1 Mac). Also in 2020, in August, a 27-inch iMac based on Intel was released, which still lacks a successor in Apple Silicon. The Mac Pro from 2019 remained on the market until 2023 before being replaced by an Apple Silicon model, which has since been discontinued.
Not the only update controversy
Apple is known for long-term planning in hardware and software. Accordingly, the decision not to give Intel users the more stable macOS 27 is unfortunate. However, criticism of the end of support for Macs does not end there this year. With watchOS 27, Apple is taking an even harder cut. Apple Watch 8 and the first Apple Watch Ultra from 2022 can no longer use the new operating system. Four-year-old devices without support are a rarity for Apple. The technical reasons for the decision have not yet been provided.
It is not to be expected that macOS 27 alias Golden Gate can be brought to Intel computers with hacks and tricks. Apple will likely simply not deliver the necessary code for the x86 platform anymore.
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