Tag: macOS 26 Tahoe

  • Apple’s 12.9-Inch MacBook Leaks in macOS 26 Tahoe Beta

    Apple’s 12.9-Inch MacBook Leaks in macOS 26 Tahoe Beta

    Key Takeaways

    1. macOS 26 Tahoe’s sixth beta includes a new onboarding video showcasing features for first-time users.
    2. The video features a MacBook design without a notch, leading to speculation about a new budget-friendly model.
    3. The upcoming budget 13-inch MacBook may have a design similar to the MacBook Air but could lack a notch.
    4. Mass production of the budget MacBook is expected to begin in Q3 2025, with a potential launch at the end of 2025 or early 2026.
    5. The budget MacBook is rumored to feature the A18 Pro processor, a 12.9-inch display, and vibrant color options, priced between $599 and $699.

    In the sixth beta version of macOS 26 Tahoe, Apple has added a new onboarding video that introduces users to some of the update’s features when they first boot up their MacBook after installation. Users quickly noticed that the video features a MacBook without a notch.

    Design Similarities

    Besides that, the overall design closely resembles the current MacBook Air. The most plausible reason for this oddity might be a simple oversight, where the notch was overlooked while the video was being made. Nonetheless, this has led to speculation that the upcoming budget-friendly 13-inch MacBook could lack a notch, while still reflecting the design of the MacBook Air. If Apple incorporates a smaller webcam and slightly broader screen bezels, it’s quite possible the camera could fit into the top edge of the screen without causing a significant bulge.

    Production Timeline and Specs

    Recent rumors suggest that mass production of this “budget MacBook” is anticipated to commence in the third quarter of 2025, indicating that its launch could occur towards the end of this year or at the start of the next. The notebook is rumored to come with the Apple A18 Pro processor, which is already featured in the iPhone 16 Pro, and is expected to have a 12.9-inch display. Along with a vibrant casing in colors like silver, pink, yellow, or blue, the pricing is expected to be a major attraction for this MacBook, as it is anticipated to be priced between $599 and $699.

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  • YouTuber Tests macOS 26 Tahoe: Cyberpunk 2077 Hits 60 FPS on M1 Max

    YouTuber Tests macOS 26 Tahoe: Cyberpunk 2077 Hits 60 FPS on M1 Max

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cyberpunk 2077 runs on a MacBook Pro M1 Max at 55-60 FPS using MetalFX Performance mode via CrossOver.
    2. The new macOS 26 Tahoe beta includes features like a special Games app and improved resource management for gaming.
    3. Metal 4 framework supports MetalFX Upscaling and built-in frame generation for better gaming performance.
    4. The game is not running natively on macOS; it uses CrossOver for compatibility with Windows titles.
    5. Performance during testing showed good heat and fan noise management, with native support for Cyberpunk 2077 expected later this year.

    A YouTuber has put Cyberpunk 2077 through its paces on a MacBook Pro M1 Max with the macOS 26 Tahoe beta, finding that frame rates consistently stay around 60 FPS. This performance boost is attributed to MetalFX upscaling and frame interpolation. The updated version also includes a special Games app, a revamped game mode for better resource management, and overall system improvements aimed at enhancing gaming experiences beyond what was available previously.

    Performance Insights

    In the video released by the YouTube channel Blendlogic Tech, Cyberpunk 2077 is seen running through CrossOver. The game, which is known for its high demands on PC systems, reportedly achieved frame rates between 55 and 60 FPS when using MetalFX Performance mode. When switched to Quality mode, the frame rates dropped a bit to around 45 FPS, although the visuals were noticeably better. The testing was done on a MacBook Pro M1 Max that features a 32-core GPU and 64 GB of unified memory.

    How it Works

    If you’re curious about how Nvidia-like GPU features function on Apple Silicon, here’s the breakdown. The game isn’t running natively on macOS; it’s actually being run via CrossOver, a compatibility layer that allows certain Windows titles to operate on Macs.

    Technical Details

    The game utilizes Apple’s Metal 4 framework, which was introduced with macOS 26 Tahoe. This framework includes features such as MetalFX Upscaling and a new built-in frame generation method. Although Apple does not incorporate Nvidia or AMD graphics cards, these innovations aim to provide similar advantages by leveraging the power of Apple’s integrated GPU and unified memory system.

    The YouTuber also noted that fan noise and heat levels were well managed, a common issue when playing demanding games on laptops. It’s important to mention that this performance isn’t quite at the native level yet, as Cyberpunk 2077 is set to launch on the App Store later this year with official support for Apple Silicon. The specific MacBook Pro used for this test, equipped with the M1 Max chip, can be found on Amazon.

    macOS 26 is currently in developer beta and is anticipated to be released later this year for Macs that support Apple silicon.

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  • Apple Ends Software Support for Intel Macs with macOS 27

    Apple Ends Software Support for Intel Macs with macOS 27

    Key Takeaways

    1. macOS 26 Tahoe is a free update introducing new features like real-time phone call translation and advanced Spotlight search.
    2. The new update is compatible only with a limited number of Intel Macs, marking the end of support for Intel-based Macs.
    3. Future macOS updates will only be available for Macs with Apple M1 or newer ARM processors.
    4. Security updates for macOS 26 Tahoe will be provided for several years, but new features will require an ARM-equipped Mac.
    5. The update includes gaming enhancements with Metal 4 and a competitor to Nvidia’s DLSS Frame Generation.

    On Monday, Apple introduced macOS 26 Tahoe, the newest version of its operating system designed for MacBooks, iMacs, and other devices. This update will be available for free starting this fall. Along with Apple’s new Liquid Glass design, this version brings a range of productivity and AI enhancements, including real-time phone call translation and an advanced Spotlight search that can perform shortcuts directly. Gamers will find this update appealing too, thanks to the gaming app Metal 4 and a competitor to Nvidia’s DLSS Frame Generation.

    Compatibility Concerns

    It’s important to note that macOS 26 Tahoe is only supported on a limited number of Intel Macs, like the Mac Pro (2019), MacBook Pro 16, MacBook Pro 13 (2020), and iMac. Surprisingly, the operating system will not work on any MacBook Air or Mac mini models that use Intel processors. Apple recently confirmed at its Platforms State of the Union during WWDC that macOS 26 Tahoe signifies the end of software support for Intel-based Macs, as macOS 27 will be offered only for Macs with Apple M1 or newer ARM processors next year.

    Future Updates

    Typically, Apple is expected to provide important security updates for macOS 26 Tahoe for several years. However, users wanting to access new features in the future will need to upgrade to a Mac equipped with an ARM chip. This implies that certain Macs will receive software support for only about five years, which is rather brief even for Apple’s usual standards. Following this announcement, it’s likely that more third-party software will be created exclusively for ARM Macs.

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    Apple Ends Software Support for Intel Macs with macOS 27

     

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