Apple is phasing out support for its macOS operating system for Intel-based Macs faster and faster.
According to Ars Technica, depending on the model and time of purchase, Apple Mac computers receive an average of 6.6 years of macOS support for new functionality. To this are added another two years on average for security updates.
When Apple stops producing a particular line of Macs, macOS support averages 5.5 years.
Accelerated phasing out of Intel Macs
According to Ars Technica, Apple is accelerating the phasing out of support for Intel-based Mac computers. Especially since the tech giant has now switched completely to its own on Apple Silicon M1 and M2 processors.
Intel itself is also already discontinuing (feature and security) support for the processors present in Macs soon. For example, most Intel processors currently running in these computers and laptop will receive an End of Servicing Lifetime (ESL) in March 2024. According to Ars Technica, another six months enough to run the expected latest macOS version 14.
Three scenarios
For when macOS support for Intel Macs will finally come to an end, three scenarios are outlined. In the first scenario, Apple still only supports the 2019/2020 Intel models in macOS 15 and stops this support in version macOS 16.
In the second scenario, Apple stops supporting all Intel-based Macs in macOS 15. The third and final scenario may be that the tech giant continues to support Macs with Intel processors in macOS 15 but discontinues them in macOS 16.
Therefore, according to Ars Technica, the age of Intel-based Macs will determine the final ESL. Hardware capabilities would not be a factor, the tech website concludes. In any case, they will last another two or three macOS versions.
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