Apple's upcoming operating system updates are generating significant attention as the company prepares for its WWDC 2025 event on June 9. Two major developments are emerging: potential compatibility restrictions for older Intel-based Macs and enhanced customization capabilities for the Mac's iconic dock feature.
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| Customizing the Dock settings in TinkerTool on a Mac |
Major Compatibility Changes Coming to macOS 26
Apple appears ready to implement substantial changes to its Mac operating system compatibility requirements. According to sources familiar with the matter, the next version of macOS—potentially called macOS 26 rather than macOS 16—will leave several Intel-based Macs behind. This shift represents Apple's continued transition away from Intel processors toward its own silicon architecture.
The compatibility cutoff will affect notable models including the 2018 MacBook Pro, 2020 Intel-based MacBook Air, 2017 iMac Pro, and 2018 Mac mini. These devices currently run macOS Sequoia but will be unable to upgrade beyond this version. Users with these older machines may need to consider hardware upgrades to access future macOS features and security updates.
Supported Devices and New Naming Convention
The list of compatible devices reveals Apple's focus on newer hardware. MacBook Pro models from 2019 onward will maintain compatibility, alongside M1 or later MacBook Air models, iMacs from 2020 forward, Mac Pro units from 2019, M1 or later Mac mini computers, and all Mac Studio models. This compatibility matrix clearly favors Apple's transition to its custom silicon chips.
Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman suggests Apple may adopt a year-based naming system, potentially calling the new operating systems iOS 26 and macOS 26 instead of the traditional sequential numbering. This change would align with the calendar year and could signal a broader shift in Apple's software branding strategy.
Enhanced Dock Customization Capabilities
While compatibility concerns dominate headlines, Mac users continue to discover extensive customization options for the system's dock. The dock serves as a central hub for launching applications, switching between programs, and managing minimized windows. Users can significantly personalize this interface through both built-in settings and advanced techniques.
Basic customization includes removing unused applications, reordering icons through simple drag-and-drop actions, and adjusting the dock's size and position. More advanced users can hide the dock automatically, minimize windows directly into application icons, and disable visual indicators for open applications. These modifications help create cleaner workspaces and optimize screen real estate usage.
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| Removing an application from the Dock in macOS |
Advanced Dock Modifications and Third-Party Solutions
Power users can implement sophisticated dock modifications using Terminal commands to add spacers for visual organization. These blank spaces help group similar applications and create more aesthetically pleasing arrangements. Additionally, users can customize individual app icons to match specific themes or visual preferences.
Third-party applications like TinkerTool and Supercharge unlock hidden dock settings that Apple doesn't expose through standard system preferences. These tools offer features such as removing reveal delays for hidden docks, dimming icons of hidden applications, and locking dock arrangements to prevent accidental changes. Specialized dock customization apps like DockFlow and uBar provide even more extensive modification options, including preset profiles and Windows taskbar-style appearances.
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| Quick Actions menu providing user-friendly access to applications on the Dock |
Implications for Mac Users
The convergence of compatibility restrictions and enhanced customization options reflects Apple's broader strategy of modernizing its ecosystem while providing flexibility for current users. Those with older Intel-based Macs face decisions about hardware upgrades, while all Mac users benefit from increasingly sophisticated personalization capabilities. The timing of these changes, coinciding with WWDC 2025, suggests Apple's commitment to balancing innovation with user choice in its desktop computing platform.