Apple Returns to the Mac

Will History Repeat?

First, a little history. In summer 2005, Apple initiated a transition from PowerPC processors to Intel. All Mac product lines were updated or replaced with Intel-based models during 2006.

Mac OS X Tiger (10.4), offered 2005–2007, was the first version to support Intel-based Macs, and Leopard (10.5), offered 2007–2009, was the last version to support PowerPC processors.

When Snow Leopard was released in 2009, it was Intel-only. As a result, to many users dismay, new PowerPC-based Macs sold through July 2006 lost support for new software after barely three years.

The Courage to Change

Apple’s historic announcement two weeks ago was that it is transitioning the Mac from Intel processors to Apple Silicon. This shift enables Apple to increase its control over the hardware and software.

Future Macs will probably be less expensive as well as more efficient with heat and power, laptops lasting longer on a charge. They will also be better integrated with iOS devices and capable of natively running iOS apps.

Macs used Motorola processors for 10 years, then PowerPC for 12 years, and now Intel for 15 years. So, it’s not unreasonable for Apple to have come up with something brand new to serve its computers for the next decade-plus.

Misconceptions Abound

I hope journalists in mainstream media and consumers aren’t misreading Apple’s promises or making assumptions that don’t hold water based on past performance. (I’ve only read this one article whose author seems a bit misled.)

Unlike the time of transition from PowerPC to Intel, Apple has been more accommodating of older Macs with support in newer operating systems. Currently, Macs dating back to 2012 are supported by macOS Catalina and most Macs dating back to 2013 or 2014 will be supported by macOS Big Sur when it’s released this fall.

Additionally, there’s rampant concern about the loss of native support for running Windows, which has been primarily designed to run on Intel. However, Microsoft’s Surface tablets use ARM processors (on which Apple Silicon is based) and while Surface runs a stripped version of Windows, I think it’s reasonable to forecast that Microsoft is working to strengthen ARM support.

Meanwhile, popular Windows virtualization developers Parallels and VMware are actively working to make their software work on Apple Silicon, albeit with emulation. Overall, let’s give developers some credit for all their amazing creations that make our computing lives better.

A Bright Future for All

Apple intends for this transition to take two years, with the first Apple Silicon Mac to be released by the end of 2020. However, Intel will not be left out in the cold.

As Tim Cook said three minutes from the end of the keynote, there are still new Intel-based Macs in the pipeline and Apple will continue to offer new versions of macOS supporting such Macs for years to come.

If the last decade has any cred with the future, we’ve seen Apple annually release new Mac software that consistently supports Macs 6–7 years old. Thus, if the last Mac with an Intel processor launches in 2021, the last macOS version to support it might be released in 2027.

All Macs have expiration dates, but it’s reasonable for businesses to replace their computers every 3–5 years and for home users to wait a bit longer. Neither group should have trouble getting software and support from Apple (or me?), as well as recommendations about what to buy next.

In short, don’t be so worried. But if you are, feel free to reach out for moral (and technical) support.