macOS 27: Intel Support Ends and New AI Features Arrive

Apple is preparing to release macOS 27 in the fall of 2026, a significant update that will officially drop support for Intel-based Macs while introducing a suite of new artificial intelligence features [1][3]. The upcoming operating system marks the final step in the company's transition to Apple Silicon, leaving older hardware behind while pushing forward with advanced capabilities for newer devices [1][3].

Key takeaways

• macOS 27 will not support Intel Macs, ending an era for those devices [3].
• The update is expected to launch in September 2026 [4].
• A new chatbot-style Siri with agentic capabilities is rumored [2].
• M1 Macs may lose access to certain demanding features despite continued support [1].

Hardware support shifts for Intel and M1 chips

Apple has confirmed that macOS 27 will be exclusive to Macs with Apple chips, meaning devices with Intel processors will stop receiving major updates after macOS Tahoe [3]. Only four Intel models were supported by the previous version, including the 2019 Mac Pro and the 2020 27-inch iMac, and these machines will receive security updates for three more years rather than feature updates [3]. While Apple Silicon M1 Macs will remain supported, they will be six years old by the time macOS 27 launches, leading to speculation that Apple may limit certain features to encourage upgrades [1]. Specifically, features requiring higher RAM, such as advanced Apple Intelligence tools, could be restricted on models with 8GB of memory [1].

New AI capabilities and interface refinements

Rumors suggest macOS 27 will heavily feature artificial intelligence, starting with a complete overhaul of Siri [2][4]. The virtual assistant is expected to adopt a chatbot-style interface similar to ChatGPT, with improved language processing and the ability to perform multi-action requests across the system [2][4]. Other rumored additions include an "Organize Tabs" button in Safari that uses AI to sort tabs by topic, and new Apple Photos tools called Extend, Enhance, and Reframe for image editing [2]. Additionally, the Shortcuts app may allow users to create automations using natural language descriptions, while the operating system could see design refinements to the "Liquid Glass" aesthetic and optimizations for touchscreen hardware [2].

Why it matters

The release of macOS 27 represents the definitive conclusion of Apple's multi-year transition away from Intel processors, ensuring future software development is fully focused on Apple Silicon [1][3]. For