Month: July 2026

You might’ve seen one of the notices from Apple that it is ending support for Intel-based apps and perhaps wondering if it’s a scam. (It isn’t.) What it IS telling you – that the next macOS it’s releasing (27, named “Golden Gate”) isn’t going to support any Intel-based (read: older) versions of software on your computer. (It also won’t run on any pre-2020 Macs, but that’s another story altogether.)

What this is affecting is computers with the Apple Silicone chip, which is basically Macs produced from 2020 onward. How do you know how this will impact you? And how can you tell if your Mac has the old school Intel chip or the modern Apple Silicone chip?

Easy stuff! On your Mac, pull down on the Apple symbol (upper left corner) and select ABOUT THIS MAC. You’ll see all sorts of information about your computer, but here, we’re looking for what type of processor (a.k.a. chip) your computer is running. If the word “Intel” is listed, you’re working with an old(er) computer, and the Golden Gate update won’t affect you, as your computer will not be able to run it.

But – if you see “Apple” next to the chip type, then you’re working with one of the new(er) models (i.e. from 2020 and beyond), then you have the “Apple Silicone” chip and your Mac will be able to run Golden Gate. But that’s only one part of the story; any of your applications are older, they’ll have to be updated. For example, my Quicken 2016 isn’t going to work, as will Sound Studio. But all of the “big” ones – e.g. Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Chrome and like are already ready for Golden Gate. But as for the apps that don’t work in Golden Gate, you’ll either have to download an update, pay for an upgrade, or learn to live without.