Older MacBook models losing support is becoming a reality as Apple prepares for its next macOS release. According to a new report, at least four Apple Mac models are on the chopping block when the new operating system arrives, with the list raising eyebrows among longtime Mac users who expected longer support windows.
Key Takeaways
- Four Mac models face potential exclusion from the next macOS release
- 2020 Intel-powered MacBook Air may lose support, surprising many users
- 2018 MacBook Pro, 2018 Mac mini, and 2017 iMac Pro also affected
- Support loss means no access to new features and security updates
- Apple has not officially confirmed the list yet
Which Mac Models Are Losing Support
The four models expected to miss out on the next macOS are the 2020 Intel-powered MacBook Air, 2018 MacBook Pro, 2018 Mac mini, and 2017 iMac Pro. Three of these exclusions follow Apple’s typical pattern of dropping support for older hardware. The surprise entry is the 2020 Intel MacBook Air, which is far more recent than the other models and will likely raise questions about why a machine from just four years ago would be cut off.
The 2018 MacBook Pro and 2018 Mac mini have been around longer and their exclusion comes as less of a shock. Similarly, the 2017 iMac Pro represents older hardware that has already received several years of support. But the inclusion of the 2020 Intel MacBook Air signals a more aggressive support cutoff than users might expect, especially for a model that was still being sold relatively recently.
Why This Matters for Mac Users
Losing macOS support is not merely a cosmetic issue. Machines dropped from the supported list will no longer receive new features, security patches, or performance improvements bundled into future macOS releases. This creates a widening gap between older and newer Macs, potentially leaving unsupported machines vulnerable to security exploits and unable to run software that requires the latest operating system version.
For users with a 2020 Intel MacBook Air, the timing is particularly frustrating. These machines are capable performers that many people bought expecting another five to seven years of support. Losing access to future macOS versions earlier than anticipated could force premature hardware upgrades or leave owners stuck on an aging operating system.
Intel vs. Apple Silicon Support Patterns
The presence of Intel-based Macs on the exclusion list reflects Apple’s ongoing transition away from Intel processors toward its own Apple Silicon chips. The company has been gradually phasing out Intel Mac support as it consolidates its lineup around M-series processors. Machines built around Intel chips are increasingly falling outside Apple’s support window, while newer Apple Silicon models enjoy longer support expectations.
This pattern suggests that older Intel MacBook models will continue to face earlier cutoffs compared to their Apple Silicon successors. If you own an Intel Mac, checking whether your model appears on the exclusion list should be a priority before the next macOS release arrives.
What Happens When Support Ends
When a Mac model loses official support, it remains functional but stops receiving updates. Users can continue working on the machine, but they miss out on security patches that address newly discovered vulnerabilities. Over time, this creates real security risks, especially for machines used to handle sensitive data or access banking and email accounts.
Additionally, new software increasingly requires current macOS versions. Applications and services may drop support for older operating systems, gradually making unsupported Macs incompatible with the latest tools and services. This creates a cascading effect where an unsupported Mac becomes progressively less useful.
Is This Official Yet
The list of affected models comes from a report rather than an official Apple announcement, so the exclusions remain unconfirmed until Apple formally unveils the next macOS and its system requirements. Apple typically announces which models will be supported when it previews a major macOS release, usually during its Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
Until then, the reported list should be treated as a strong indication rather than absolute confirmation. However, the sources behind the report have proven reliable in predicting Apple’s support decisions in the past.
Should You Upgrade Your Mac
If you own one of the four models expected to lose support, you do not need to rush into an upgrade immediately. You can continue using your Mac on its current macOS version indefinitely, though security risks will accumulate over time. For machines used for casual browsing and document work, this may be acceptable. For machines handling financial data or sensitive information, upgrading becomes more pressing.
Apple Silicon MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models represent the current generation and will receive support for years to come. If you are considering an upgrade, these newer machines offer significantly better performance and longer expected support windows compared to the aging Intel models facing exclusion.
When will the next macOS be released
Apple has not officially announced the next macOS release date, though the company typically unveils major macOS updates at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, with public releases following in the fall. The exact timing and name of the next version remain unconfirmed at this time.
Can I keep using my Mac after support ends
Yes, your Mac will continue to function after it loses official support. However, you will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or new features. Over time, compatibility with new software and services may decline as developers drop support for older operating system versions.
How do I check if my Mac is affected
You can check your Mac model by clicking the Apple menu, selecting About This Mac, and noting the model year and processor type. Compare your model against the list of four machines expected to lose support: 2020 Intel MacBook Air, 2018 MacBook Pro, 2018 Mac mini, and 2017 iMac Pro. If your machine matches one of these, plan accordingly for a future upgrade.
The prospect of older MacBook models losing support underscores the importance of staying informed about Apple’s hardware roadmap. While the reported exclusions remain unconfirmed, users with machines on the list should begin thinking about upgrade timelines and security implications sooner rather than later. Apple’s transition to Apple Silicon is reshaping which Macs receive long-term support, and older Intel machines will increasingly find themselves on the outside looking in.
Where to Buy
Apple iPhone 17 Pro | Apple MacBook Neo
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: T3
