Apple probably strokes support for some older Mac models
Apple’s upcoming Mac operating system surprisingly bears the name “MacOS 26”. In addition to the unusual version jump, there are also bad news for owners of older Macs. Because some older models probably no longer get the update.
MacOS 26: New name, less support
An unusual change is imminent for MAC users in autumn. According to current reports, Apple plans to rename its upcoming operating systems. Since 2020, Apple had ended the long tradition of versions 10.X with MacOS 11 Big Sur and has since incremented the main version number every year. According to this logic, “MacOS 16” would have been expected as the successor to the current “MacOS 15 Sequoia”. Now, however, the next version should surprisingly appear as “MacOS 26”. This is based on years. And there will also be some changes to the list of supported devices that should receive the update. Already under MacOS 15, owners of older Intel Macs could no longer use all functions. Now some devices are probably completely falling out of support.
Less device support
The list of supported MAC models for MacOS 26 could therefore be significantly shorter than with previous versions. Apple insider wants to know that the following Mac models can no longer be updated on MacOS 26:
- iMac Pro (models from 2017)
- Mac Mini (2018 models)
- MacBook Pro (all models from 2018)
- MacBook Air (Intel models from 2020)
In contrast, the MacBook Pro from 2019 and the 27-inch IMAC 5K from 2020 should still receive the update to MacOS 26. This shows a certain flexibility in Apple’s support strategy. In general, however, it is indicated that the support for MAC models with Intel processors gradually expires, while Apple aligns its platform to its own Apple silicone chips.
Larger update expected
In addition to the information on supported devices, there are also first details about the file size of the upcoming operating system. So we are expected to be just over 17 GB of the first developer beta of MacOS 26. The software package would be about two gigabytes greater than at MacOS Sequoia 15. Since 2013, Apple has established tradition with the introduction of OS X Mavericks to name its MacOS versions according to Californian sights.
As with the past versions, MacOS 26 will also receive such a nickname. California, Condor, Diablo, Farallon, Grizzly, Mammoth, Miramar, Pacific, Redwood, Redtail, Rincon, Skyline and Shasta are mentioned as possible candidates. Internally, the new operating system bears the code name “cheer”. According to insiders who are familiar with the project, Apple aims to simplify navigation and device control and at the same time integrate design elements of visionos into the Mac interface. The planned changes include a complete revision of icons, menus and system button.
Planned publication
MacOS 26 on the WWDC 2025. Apple’s 36th annual Worldwide Developers Conference begins on Monday, June 9, 2025, and ends on Friday, June 13th. Apple plans to open the event with a keynote in which the most important innovations are presented.
