Apple is set to unveil macOS 26 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025. However, this update may not be available for some older Mac models, including the 2018 MacBook Pro, 2017 iMac Pro, 2018 Mac mini, and the Intel-based 2020 MacBook Air. Sources familiar with Apple’s internal testing suggest that macOS 26 will only be compatible with MacBook Pro models from 2019 or later, MacBook Air models with M1 or later chips, iMacs from 2020 or later, Mac Pro models from 2019 or later, Mac mini models with M1 or later chips, and all Mac Studio models.
This move is part of Apple’s ongoing transition to support only Apple Silicon models. Currently, only a few Intel-based Macs remain in Apple’s lineup that will be compatible with macOS 26. Internally referred to as “Cheer,” macOS 26 might receive a different official name upon its public release, continuing Apple’s tradition of naming its operating systems after notable California locations.
Possible names under consideration include macOS Redwood, Skyline, and Diablo.
Dropping support for older Macs
The first developer beta of macOS 26 is expected to arrive with a file size just over 17 GB, which is larger than the current macOS Sequoia.
These insights are drawn from pre-release builds and are subject to change as development progresses. Apple is also planning a major shift in its naming scheme for operating systems, aligning them with a year-based solution rather than the order of release. As a result, Apple will not release macOS 16 next month and will instead jump straight to macOS 26.
The new updates are expected to incorporate design elements from visionOS, including transparent glass-like effects and updated menus. While macOS 26 is poised to bring fresh updates and improvements, it also signals the end of the road for several older Mac models. As Apple moves forward with its new operating systems, compatibility with legacy hardware may continue to wane, encouraging users to upgrade to newer devices.
The forthcoming WWDC keynote will likely shed more light on these updates and their broader implications for the Apple ecosystem.
Deanna Ritchie is a managing editor at DevX. She has a degree in English Literature. She has written 2000+ articles on getting out of debt and mastering your finances. She has edited over 60,000 articles in her life. She has a passion for helping writers inspire others through their words. Deanna has also been an editor at Entrepreneur Magazine and ReadWrite.
