Apple made a significant shift in 2020 with the launch of the M1 MacBook Air, marking the introduction of its own silicon, the M-series chips. This move has raised doubts about the future of Intel CPU-based MacBooks, as Apple gradually withdraws support for them.
Usually, Apple supports its devices for several years after their initial release. According to data from Ars Technica, the average Mac receives about 6.6 years of macOS updates that bring new features, along with another two years of security-only updates. Based on this information, the 2017 Macs will likely receive approximately 6.3 years of macOS updates.
Intel follows a roadmap for maintaining support for its processor generations. Once a product reaches its ‘End of Servicing Lifetime’ (ESL) date, Intel ceases to provide technical support or updates. Intel adds products that are within 12 months of their ESL date to a dedicated page on their website. Based on this roadmap, the 7th-generation ‘Kaby Lake’ CPUs for the 2017 MacBooks will reach their ESL date in March 2024.
These dates coincide with Apple’s release of its latest desktop operating system, macOS Sonoma, which is scheduled to launch six months after Kaby Lake’s ESL date. This creates a dilemma for Apple, as continued support for its Intel Macs using these chips would require ongoing firmware updates and updated drivers to prevent crashes, bugs, and general instability. However, it appears that Apple is already cutting Sonoma support for older Macs.
While one reason for ending support is to encourage consumers to purchase new laptops, it also benefits users for Apple to drop Intel Mac support. For example, removing old Intel architecture support from macOS Ventura saved between 3GB to 4.5GB of disk space in those MacBooks compared to ones running macOS Monterey, as highlighted by Ars Technica.
What will Apple do?
Ars Technica outlines several scenarios for how Apple might handle support for Intel Macs. The first possibility is that Apple only supports 2019/2020 Intel Macs with the upcoming macOS 15 and ends support with macOS 16. The second scenario is that Apple ends all Intel Mac support with macOS 15. The final option is that Apple supports all Intel Macs with macOS 15 and ends support with macOS 16.
Out of these possibilities, the first one seems most likely based on Apple’s previous behavior. As mentioned earlier, Apple typically supports past devices for around six and a half years, followed by two more years of security-only updates. Considering that Apple was still selling the 2019 Mac Pro until recently in 2023, discontinuing support for relatively recent releases would deviate from its normal practices.
If you own an Intel Mac from before 2018/2019, it may be wise to consider investing in one of the newest and best MacBooks to ensure proper support. However, if you have a newer model, you should be safe for at least a few more years.
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
