Apple is consistently pursuing its strategy of moving towards Apple Silicon. With the new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR, the company is making it clear that Intel-based Macs are no longer being considered. Both displays work exclusively with Macs equipped with an M-series chip. This represents a clear limitation for existing Intel users. Anyone still using such a device cannot use the new displays.
The strategic shift began in 2020. Apple started transitioning from Intel processors to its own chips, marketed under the name Apple Silicon. Intel models were gradually phased out and replaced by Macs with the M1, later the M2, and other variants.
Apple hasn't sold any Intel Macs for almost three years. The last Intel Mac in their lineup was the Mac Pro, whose Intel version was discontinued in 2023. With the introduction of the new Studio Displays, it's now clear, even in the realm of accessories, that the Intel era is finally coming to an end.
Compatibility: Only Macs with M-series
According to Apple's official compatibility list, the new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR do not work with Intel-based Macs. Only models with Apple Silicon are supported.
The list of compatible devices dates back to 2020, but includes only Macs with M-chips. The following are supported:
- 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021 and later)
- 14-inch MacBook Pro (2021 and later)
- 13-inch MacBook Pro (M1, 2020 and later)
- 15-inch MacBook Air (2023 and later)
- 13-inch MacBook Air (M1, 2020 and later)
- Mac Studio (2022 and later)
- Mac mini (2020 and later)
- Mac Pro (2023 and later)
- 24-inch iMac (2021 and later)
Intel-based versions of these devices are not compatible. No exceptions or workarounds are planned.
Looking back: The departure of Intel
Apple began phasing out Intel chips in 2020. This initially affected the MacBook Air in 2020. The MacBook Pro line followed in 2021. Other Mac models subsequently switched to Apple Silicon as well.
The Mac Pro initially remained the last Intel model in the lineup, but was also switched to Apple Silicon in 2023. This officially ended the sale of new Intel Macs.
Since then, Apple has focused entirely on the further development of its own chip architecture.
Software support is ending
The end is also clearly in sight on the software side. macOS Tahoe will be the last major operating system update for Intel-based Macs. The upcoming macOS 27 will no longer be supported on these devices.
Intel-based Macs will no longer receive feature updates after macOS Tahoe. However, Apple plans to provide security updates for another three years. After that, support will end completely.
This suggests that Intel Macs will gradually fall out of the Apple ecosystem, both in terms of hardware and software.
Pre-order and market launch
The new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR can be pre-ordered starting March 4th. This date officially marks the beginning of the next phase of product availability.
The introduction of the displays once again underlines Apple's strategic direction: New hardware is developed exclusively for Macs with the M series.
Apple is focusing entirely on its own processors
With the new Studio Displays, Apple is effectively ending support for Intel Macs in the area of new hardware products. While existing devices will still receive security updates, further development is clearly focused on Apple Silicon.
The new displays are compatible only with Macs using M-series chips. Users of Intel-based models cannot use these displays. This marks Apple's consistent and uncompromising continuation of its transition away from Intel. (Image: Apple / Apfelpatient)
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