macOS 26: Which Macs Will Make the Cut—and Which Might Be Left Behind
Apple’s upcoming macOS 26 update is set to bring new features, but not every Mac will make the cut. As anticipation grows, users are eager to see which models remain compatible and which may lose support with this release.
Tl;dr
- Apple prepares major visual redesign, inspired by visionOS.
- macOS 26 to drop support for older Intel Macs.
- Official announcements expected at WWDC in June 2025.
A New Era for Mac: Visual Identity and Strategy
For months now, anticipation has been building around Apple‘s next move in redefining its user experience. Drawing inspiration from the transparent, sleek look of visionOS, the company is rumored to be working on a significant overhaul—known internally as Solarium. This interface promises a more unified, rounded design language intended to span the entire ecosystem, from Mac to iPhone. The ambition here? To establish a cohesive and distinctly modern visual identity that sets the tone for years ahead.
macOS 26 “Cheer”: A Turning Point for Hardware Support
With this shift comes concrete changes—none more significant than the upcoming release of macOS 26 « Cheer », slated for late 2025. Sources such as Apple Insider report that not all users will benefit equally from these enhancements. Notably, several aging Intel-based machines are set to lose support with this new version. The affected lineup reportedly includes:
It’s hardly unexpected; these models were already among the last compatible with last year’s system, macOS Sequoia (2024). This move continues the company’s gradual realignment around its own silicon—a strategy that has been apparent for several years now.
The Future Is Apple Silicon: What Users Can Expect
Meanwhile, those with newer devices—especially those powered by in-house M1 chips and later—can look forward to enjoying every aspect of the revamped graphical environment. Devices set to benefit include the recent generations of MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and iMac, along with all versions of Mac Studio. A developer beta is widely anticipated at June’s annual WWDC event, beginning on June 9th, 2025. Notably, early reports suggest that macOS Cheer‘s installation size will increase to around 17GB—roughly two gigabytes more than its predecessor.
The possibility remains that Apple could introduce a new annual numbering scheme—macOS “26”, reminiscent of trends in the automotive industry—which would further clarify each release’s place in time.
Ahead of WWDC: Official Confirmation and Industry Speculation
Just under two weeks remain until official word is expected from Cupertino. Enthusiasts and professionals alike are watching closely for confirmation of these changes—and for clarity on whether cherished California-themed codenames like « Redwood », « Skyline », or « Diablo » will survive this transition. In any case, it seems clear: a fresh wind is about to blow through the Mac universe, promising both continuity and transformation as Apple navigates its next chapter.