Following the recent WWDC 2023 keynote, Apple has quietly discontinued its last remaining Intel Macs, marking the completion of its almost three-year transition from Intel processors to Apple Silicon. While the 2019 Mac Pro was the only Intel-based Mac still available for purchase, the arrival of the new Mac Pro model has prompted Apple to remove all Intel computers from its official store.
Continued Support for Intel Macs: Although Apple has ceased selling Intel Macs, the company will continue to support several models with the upcoming macOS Sonoma update, expected to launch later this fall. The following Intel-based Macs will receive the new operating system:
- 2019 iMac or newer
- 2017 iMac Pro
- 2018 MacBook Air or newer
- 2018 MacBook Pro or newer
- 2019 Mac Pro or newer
- 2018 Mac mini or newer
The exception to this list is the Mac Studio, released in 2022, which exclusively features an Apple Silicon chip. The Intel version of the Mac mini was also discontinued earlier this year when Apple introduced new M2 and M2 Pro models.
Apple Silicon Mac Lineup: With the removal of Intel Macs, Apple users now have a comprehensive lineup of Apple Silicon-powered Macs to choose from. Furthermore, the company is prioritizing the development of exclusive features for Macs equipped with the M1 and M2 chips, gradually phasing out support for Intel-based Macs.
Currently Available Apple Silicon Macs:
- 24-inch iMac: The M1 chip powers the only Apple Silicon iMac currently available.
- MacBook Air: Apple offers three MacBook Air models, including one with the M1 chip and two new design options with the M2 processor, available in different sizes.
- MacBook Pro: Customers can choose from three MacBook Pro models, including one with the M2 chip and the previous design featuring the Touch Bar, as well as two high-end models equipped with the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips.
- Mac mini: The M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini models are available for customers to choose from.
- Mac Studio: Apple now sells the Mac Studio, featuring the M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips.
- Mac Pro: With the transition complete, the new Mac Pro is powered by the M2 Ultra chip, offering the modularity of the Intel model.
Apple’s decision to discontinue the remaining Intel Macs represents the successful culmination of its transition to Apple Silicon. The company now exclusively offers a range of Apple Silicon Macs with enhanced capabilities and optimized performance. With ongoing development focused on Apple Silicon, users can expect further advancements and exclusive features tailored to these innovative chipsets.
