- macOS 26 Tahoe will be the last version compatible with Macs Intel, closing a stage of more than 15 years.
- The end of support means big challenges for Hackintosh and OpenCore users, who will no longer be able to install future versions of macOS on hardware unofficial or older models.
- Apple will remove all Intel-linked code in future releases, making known patches or workarounds impossible.
- Apple Silicon is consolidating its position as the only option for accessing new features and updates in the macOS ecosystem.
Apple has marked a turning point in the history of Mac with the official announcement during WWDC 2025: macOS 26 Tahoe It will be the last version of the operating system compatible with Intel computers. This step, which was expected after five years since the beginning of the transition to Apple Silicon, ends an era and affects both traditional Mac users and two legendary communities: Hackintosh and OpenCore Legacy Patcher.
Although the latest Intel models will receive support until September 2026, the news represents the A final farewell to anyone who relies on x86 technologyThe company will stop offering functional updates after the release of macOS 27, and will only maintain security patches for a limited time. The future of macOS will revolve exclusively around Apple's M chips, which will affect both the brand's own computers and systems built to run on third-party hardware.
The Decline of Hackintosh and OpenCore Legacy Patcher
For many enthusiasts and professionals, Hackintosh vs OpenCore Legacy Patcher They've been essential tools, allowing users to extend the lifespan of older computers or experiment with macOS on custom hardware. Since the mid-2000s, Hackintosh has made it possible to run macOS on mainstream PCs equipped with Intel processors, making it accessible to users on tight budgets or with specific hardware needs that Apple didn't cover.
On the other hand, OpenCore Legacy Patcher has managed to get officially obsolete Macs to continue running modern versions of the operating system, thanks to reverse engineering and unprecedented dedication. Computers from 2011 or 2013 that were officially out of support have been able to upgrade, until now, to systems several years newer, successfully overcoming obstacles of drivers graphics, audio and connectivity.
Removal of the x86_64 kernel and all Intel-compatible binaries in future versions of macOS, this represents a technical blow that both communities cannot avoid. Without these elements, there will be nothing to patch and no workarounds to boot future versions on Intel computers or non-Apple hardware.
For users of these environments, the reaction has been resignation and a certain nostalgia, aware that Apple's evolution toward its own architecture was a matter of time. In specialized forums, many recognize the merit of Hackintosh and OCLP as drivers of innovation and ecosystem survival, but they also acknowledge the advanced technical level and integration already offered by Macs with M chips.
Security Updates and Support: How Long Will Intel Survive?
The latest generation of Intel Macs will continue to receive official support until the fall of 2026, when macOS 27 will mark the final break with the x86 platform in the Apple universe. From then on, Security updates will only be guaranteed for an additional period, and only for the most recent models.
Users who choose to stay on Intel, either with original Apple hardware or via Hackintosh, will have to settle for what macOS Tahoe offers. It has already been confirmed that future versions will not include any Intel support, and Any attempt to adapt new versions to older hardware will be useless since the codebase will be completely gone.
This also implies that Rosetta 2, the layer that enables Intel applications to run on Apple Silicon, will gradually disappear. In addition, flagship applications such as Steam They are already being adapted to run natively on Apple Silicon, accelerating the process of definitively abandoning Intel architecture at both the system level and in professional and entertainment software.
Pros and cons of switching: Is the jump to Apple Silicon worth it?
It's clear that Apple has gone all in on its own chips. Macs with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) benefit from outstanding performance, improved battery life and new operating system-exclusive features such as the Liquid Glass interface and advanced tools. Artificial Intelligence that Intel users will no longer be able to enjoy. Features such as live translation, smart shortcuts with IA and improvements to messaging apps are exclusive to those with newer devices.
On the other hand, those who want to continue using updates are forced to consider purchasing a new device. For many users, the most affordable option is to look for refurbished or used models with M1 or M2 chips, which still offer great power and long-term support guarantees.
The move toward Apple Silicon means that Intel-based devices are nearing their end, with a transition that will affect both home and business users. The innovation and optimization offered by the new chips position Macs at a much higher level in performance and energy efficiency.
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