Apple's WWDC 2026 keynote introduced macOS 27 Golden Gate, but the new OS runs exclusively on Apple silicon. Users with legacy Intel‑based Macs will find the beta unusable, as the company ended Intel support with macOS 26 Tahoe last year. The shift underscores Apple's complete transition away from the architecture that powered its computers for over a decade.

Intel Macs still receive security patches through 2028, giving owners a grace period to upgrade hardware. The decision reflects Apple's strategy to focus development resources on its own silicon, which promises better performance and tighter integration with features like the announced Siri and Apple Intelligence upgrades. Meanwhile, the continued updates prevent immediate security risks for older machines.

Consumers planning to run the latest macOS should verify their machine uses an M1, M2 or later chip before downloading. Those clinging to Intel hardware can expect reliable updates for another six years, but will miss native support for new software features. The clear takeaway: macOS 27 will only thrive on Apple‑designed silicon.

Enterprises with mixed fleets may need to stagger OS rollouts, deploying macOS 27 on silicon‑equipped workstations while retaining older versions on Intel units. IT departments can leverage Apple's extended security timeline to plan hardware refresh cycles without exposing users to vulnerabilities. Ultimately, the split support forces a faster migration to Apple’s own chip ecosystem.