The transition from Intel-based Macs to Apple Silicon is happening quickly. During the WWDC of 2020, Apple stated that the company-designed chips would be the new standard for their products. It will certainly change things in the long run for some Mac users. We will share how long Apple will support Intel-based Macs and if it’s still a good idea to buy one nowadays.
Table of contents
How long will Apple support Intel Macs?
Apple began to reduce software support for Intel-based Macs at a faster rate from 2023 and beyond. The company has already started to phase out Intel-based Macs in favor of its new line of Apple Silicon Macs.
Apple has been using Intel processors since 2006, when they transitioned from PowerPC to Intel X86. The company claims that its new silicon chip will improve battery life and performance for Macs. Be that as it may, Intel-based Macs will become obsolete in favor of the new Apple-designed chips in the future. There are a few things to consider in this regard:
- Apple has been clear that the transition will take time. It will not happen overnight, and there will be a period of adjustment as apps are updated to support the new processor architecture.
- Apple has also said it will support Intel-based Macs for several years after the transition is complete. So, even if you do buy an Intel-based Mac now, you’re not going to be left out in the cold when the transition is complete.
- Lastly, Apple has said that it will make it easy to switch from an Intel-based Mac to an Apple Silicon Mac when the time comes. So, if you purchase an Intel-based Mac today, you can always switch to an Apple Silicon Mac later.
👉 Related: 7 Best Refurbished MacBooks in 2024
How can the Apple Silicon transition affect you?
It’s essential to know that the transition from Intel-based Macs to Apple Silicon chips will impact the software you use. Both processors can’t run the same apps and communicate in different ways in order to perform the same tasks.
If you want a more technical explanation about how both CPUs work, benchmarks included, we suggest you watch this video about the Apple Silicon M1 vs. Intel i9 processor:
👉 You can also read our article comparing Apple’s M1 MacBook Pro vs. Intel MacBook Pro to learn the performance differences.
At first, developers would need to optimize their software to work on both types of processors. However, as Apple Silicon chips become more prevalent in the future, they will stop developing them for Intel chips entirely, sticking just to the silicon version. This will make the new apps or subsequent updates incompatible with Intel-based Macs or have software compatibility issues.
It’s not the end of the world, though. With the Rosetta 2 translation technology, you will be able to run apps that work with Intel processors on Apple Silicon Macs. The process takes place in the background and can impact performance. However, the performance boost of Apple’s M-series chips can make up for it.
On the other hand, while Rosetta 2 can work well for many, a high-end desktop workstation wouldn’t want to hold back any actual performance. It could also cause some businesses to lose performance in high-demanding tasks. Moreover, they could have more significant problems adapting to the transition due to a major cash outlay when upgrading to devices with Apple silicon chips.
Is buying an Intel Mac a good idea in 2024?
Buying an Intel-based Mac in 2024 might be a good idea if you only need it for basic or specific tasks that won’t require apps compatible with Apple Silicon processors. You might even consider an Intel Mac if you extensively use professional apps that haven’t been updated at this point.
In addition, depending on the apps you use, you may find offers for Intel-based Macs that can help you save money while running the software you need. Since most Intel Macs are older than Macs with Apple-made CPUs, you will be able to save hundreds of dollars on your purchase—this is even truer if you buy refurbished Intel Macs with a warranty.
For instance, take a look at our compared refurbished MacBooks compatible with the latest macOS 14 Sonoma with an Intel chip.
2.3Ghz Intel Dual-Core i5 7th gen
8GB memory • Space Gray
with Touch Bar • 2018 release
2.3Ghz Intel Quad-Core i5 8th gen
8GB memory • Space Gray
with Touch Bar • 2018 release
1.4Ghz Intel Quad-Core i5 8th gen
8GB memory • Silver
with Touch Bar • 2019 release
And here are some refurbished iMacs with the latest macOS 14 Sonoma compatibility and Intel chips:
3.6Ghz Intel Quad-Core i3 8th gen
8GB memory
2019 release
3Ghz Intel 6-Core i5 8th gen
8GB memory
2019 release
3.3Ghz Intel 6-Core i5 10th gen
8GB memory
2020 release
These are available on RefurbMe right now, our comparator of refurbished Apple devices. As you can see, many of these devices are quite affordable, one of the biggest advantages of buying Intel Macs.
👉 Related: 10 Best iMac Accessories Worth Buying
If you are worried about future software incompatibilities regarding the apps you run today on a new Intel-based Mac, you can buy a refurbished device at a discounted price now. Then, when the Apple-designed processors are finally included in every product, prices will eventually go down. You may think about getting a new one for a lower price (even a refurbished product), as we saw here, but with Apple Silicon chips.
How to know if your Mac has an Intel or an Apple Silicon processor
To know if your Mac is using an Intel or an Apple Silicon processor, follow the next steps on your Mac:
- Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the menu bar.
- Select About this Mac.
- A new window will appear with specific software and hardware information.
- On the Overview tab, locate one of the two:
- Chip + Apple M1/M2/M3, or
- Processor + Intel processor name
Takeaway
It is not the first time Apple has transitioned from one processor family to another. The last time, the final version of the old platform had full OS support for three years after it was discontinued, plus two years of security updates. Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Macs with Intel processors would receive software updates for years to come. In fact, the latest macOS 14 Sonoma continues to support Intel-based Macs.
Even if we don’t know the exact support end date by Apple, it can still be a good idea to buy an Intel-based Mac in 2024 in the following cases:
- You just need it for basic tasks.
- You will only use apps that don’t require the latest updates.
- You want to save a substantial amount of money.
Keep in mind that you can always sell your device in the future if you decide to transition to Apple Silicon Macs and offset the price of the new device. All in all, buying refurbished products is undoubtedly the best way to save money on your purchase while boosting the circular economy.
We hope this article has helped you decide. Head on to RefurbMe and start comparing the best deals.
Happy buying!
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