Apple ends support for Intel processors in macOS 27 and removes Rosetta 2 in September

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Apple confirmed that macOS 27, scheduled for release in September, will work exclusively on computers equipped with M-line processors based on the ARM architecture. The decision marks the definitive end of support for Intel chips in the company’s operating systems. The movement completes a technological transition that began six years ago, when the last equipment with the old architecture was commercialized. Usuários on older machines will not receive the major update.

The previous system, known as macOS 26 Tahoe, will be the last version to offer compatibility with the Intel hardware. The manufacturer will continue to provide essential security updates for these models for a limited period, but new software features will be restricted to its own processors. Especialistas from the technology sector was already waiting for this change. The measure directly affects consumers who still use high-performance desktops and notebooks launched until the beginning of 2020.

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Fim of an era for computers with old architecture

The transition to Apple Silicon represented one of the biggest changes in the recent history of personal computing. Computadores like the MacBook Pro released in early 2020, the iMac 5K from the same year and the Mac Pro from 2019 will lose access to operating system innovations. Esses devices will continue to function normally with their current versions. However, the absence of feature updates changes the dynamics of enterprise usage. The company justifies the exclusivity of the new system by the need for deep optimization between hardware and software.

The development of advanced tools requires specific components that only M-series chips have. The integration of neural processing and energy efficiency has become the central pillar of the brand’s strategy. Old Máquinass do not have the technical capacity to run the new functions with the fluidity required by the manufacturer’s standards. Consumidores Enterprises that maintain Intel-based machine parks will need to plan for renewing their inventories. The life cycle of technology products follows a rigorous pattern of component evolution.

Code translator Remoção prevents opening old applications

One of the most drastic changes in macOS 27 is the complete elimination of Rosetta 2. Esta tool worked as an invisible translator that allowed programs created for Intel processors to run on the new ARM chips. Sem this feature, any application based on x86 architecture will stop opening immediately after system update. Desenvolvedores had years to adapt their codes to the new reality. The vast majority of popular software already has native versions for the new architecture.

Grandes software companies, such as Adobe, Microsoft and Autodesk, transitioned their main products in the early years of the architecture change. The impact of removing the translator will be felt mainly by users who rely on niche programs or very old tools that are no longer supported by their creators. Estúdios audio and video production companies often use legacy plugins that have never been rewritten for the ARM architecture. Esses professionals will have to choose between keeping the outdated operating system or looking for modern alternatives on the market. Apple’s decision forces the modernization of the entire software ecosystem.

Lista of equipment compatible with the new system update

The new version of the operating system will cover a wide range of devices released since the introduction of the M1 chip. The unified architecture allows the company to maintain compatibility with multiple generations of its proprietary processors. Users will be able to check the eligibility of their machines directly from the system settings. The official list of computers supported by macOS 27 includes the following models:

  • MacBook Air line equipped with processors from M1 to M5.
  • Modelos from MacBook Pro using any version of the M series chips.
  • Computadores desktop iMac with M1, M3 and M4 processors.
  • Desktops compact Mac mini with chips from M1 to M4 Pro.
  • Estações working Mac Studio of all released generations.
  • Computadores ultra-high performance Mac Pro with the M2 Ultra chip.

The comprehensiveness of this list demonstrates the company’s commitment to maintaining the longevity of its own processors. Computadores released at the end of 2020 will still receive all the new software in 2026. Essa durability contrasts with the end of support for the newer Intel machines. Hardware standardization makes the work of the company’s software engineers easier. The focus now turns entirely to extracting maximum performance from the ARM architecture in complex tasks.

Evento for developers promises full focus on artificial intelligence

The official reveal of all the details of macOS 27 will take place during the WWDC26 conference, scheduled for June 8th. The annual event brings together programmers from around the world and serves as a stage for the company’s main software announcements. Market expectations revolve around the deep integration of artificial intelligence tools into the operating system. The Siri virtual assistant will receive the biggest redesign in its history. The assistant update had been postponed until 2024 and will now arrive with advanced context understanding capabilities.

Além from the voice assistant, the system will bring new native features for editing photographs using neural processing. Artificial intelligence will work behind the scenes to automate complex tasks and improve user productivity. macOS 27 will act as a technology bridge for machine learning implementations. The mobile-first iOS 27 will share many of these data processing innovations. The strategy aims to unify the user experience across all of the brand’s platforms in a transparent way.

Impacto in the corporate market and the future of the brand ecosystem

The end of support for old processors generates significant movements in the corporate sector. Information technology Departamentos needs to audit their internal software to ensure that nothing depends on the x86 architecture or code translator. Migration boosts sales of new equipment in the business market. Empresas Digital Security also adjusts its monitoring tools to operate exclusively in the new environment. The technology market is closely watching each step of this architectural transition.

The consolidation of the ARM architecture in personal computers changes the competitive dynamics of the global semiconductor industry. Outras computer manufacturers begin to accelerate their own projects based on the same technology. The objective is to achieve the energy efficiency demonstrated by the pioneering company. The 2026 operating system reflects the maturity of a long-term engineering project. Vertical integration proves to be a considerable competitive advantage in hardware and software development.

Luís Henrique Costa: Luís Henrique Costa é jornalista formado pela FMU, editor-chefe e fundador do Mix Vale, portal de notícias em atividade desde 2013. Responde pela direção editorial do veículo, que cobre Brasil e mundo em economia, benefícios sociais, esportes, tecnologia, ciência e entretenimento. Atua na área há mais de 15 anos e lidera uma equipe de cerca de 15 colaboradores.