I have a 2020 MacBook Air with an Intel processor and am trying to plan for the point when Apple support eventually ends. I read an article suggesting that Intel Macs could remain reasonably useful until around 2028, which surprised me. Apple typically provides roughly six or seven years of declining support, and I assumed Intel models might lose support sooner now that Apple has moved entirely to its own processors. What have others heard about the expected timeline for macOS updates, security patches, and third-party app support?
3 Answers
Once macOS security updates stop, installing Linux is one possible way to extend the laptop’s life. Intel MacBooks can make good Linux machines, although models with the T2 security chip require extra setup and may have problems with features such as Wi-Fi, audio, or the trackpad. Choosing a distribution with T2 support makes the process much easier.
The computer will not suddenly stop working when Apple ends updates. It should still handle everyday tasks for years, but using an unsupported system online becomes increasingly risky because newly discovered security problems will not be fixed. Apps and browsers will also eventually require newer versions of macOS.
The final macOS release with Intel support is expected to be macOS 26. Apple will probably continue providing security updates for that version for another year or two, which is where the 2028 estimate comes from. Apple’s own apps may remain compatible for a while, but third-party developers can drop older macOS versions or Intel support whenever they choose, so that part is much harder to predict.
The three-year macOS support cycle is the main reason people mention 2028. However, a 2020 Intel MacBook Air may not be eligible for the final Intel-compatible release, so its official support could end closer to 2027. App compatibility will likely decline gradually after that.
Exactly. Hardware lifespan and security-support lifespan are different things. You may be able to keep using the machine through 2028 or 2029, but that does not mean it will remain a safe or fully supported daily computer.