Apple’s next major Mac software update may mark the beginning of the end for Intel-powered Macs while also pushing deeper into AI-powered experiences. New rumors surrounding macOS 27 suggest Apple is preparing significant changes ranging from smarter Siri capabilities to refinements for its controversial “Liquid Glass” design language.

According to reports, macOS 27 could become the first version of macOS to substantially reduce or fully end support for Intel-based Macs, completing a transition Apple began in 2020 with the launch of its first Apple Silicon chips. While Apple has steadily shifted focus toward M-series processors over the past several years, macOS 27 may represent the clearest sign yet that the company is ready to leave Intel hardware behind. Although this is not new news – Apple was already looking to phase out Intel-powered Macs when it rolled out macOS Tahoe last year.

The timing would align with Apple’s typical software support cycle. Intel Macs have already started missing out on some Apple Intelligence features introduced during the AI push across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Ending support entirely would allow Apple to focus more aggressively on AI, machine learning, and hardware-specific optimizations designed around Apple Silicon.

Apple appears ready to fully embrace its AI-first Mac future

One of the biggest rumored changes involves Siri. Reports suggest Apple is continuing work on a significantly smarter version of the assistant capable of handling more natural conversations, contextual awareness, and deeper app integration. While Apple’s AI rollout has faced criticism for moving more slowly than rivals like Google and OpenAI, macOS 27 could become an important part of the company’s broader Apple Intelligence strategy.

The update may also refine Apple’s newer “Liquid Glass” visual style, which reportedly focuses on translucent layers, reflective interface elements, and smoother animations across macOS. Early reactions to the design direction have been mixed, with some users praising the futuristic appearance while others argue it prioritizes aesthetics over clarity and usability.

Apple is also expected to continue integrating AI-powered productivity tools throughout macOS. Features involving summarization, writing assistance, smarter search, and proactive recommendations could become more deeply embedded into the operating system as Apple tries to make AI feel native to the Mac experience instead of functioning as a separate tool.

For users still relying on Intel Macs, however, the rumored support changes may become the biggest story. Millions of Intel-based MacBooks and desktops remain in active use, especially in businesses, schools, and creative industries. If Apple significantly cuts compatibility, many users could face difficult upgrade decisions sooner than expected.

macOS 27 may reveal Apple’s long-term strategy for the Mac

The rumored update reflects a broader shift happening across Apple’s ecosystem. The company increasingly designs software around its own custom chips, allowing tighter integration between hardware and software features. Apple Silicon Macs already deliver major advantages in battery life, performance efficiency, and AI processing compared to older Intel systems.

Ending Intel support would also simplify development for Apple and third-party app makers by reducing the number of architectures they need to support. However, it risks frustrating long-time Mac users whose devices may still feel perfectly functional despite losing future software support.

Apple is expected to officially unveil macOS 27 during WWDC 2026, where the company will likely detail its next-generation AI strategy across Macs, iPhones, and iPads. Until then, many of the reported features remain speculative, but the rumors strongly suggest Apple is preparing one of the most significant transitions in Mac history since the move away from Intel first began.

Apple is reportedly preparing to turn the iPhone into an even bigger financial hub with a new built-in bill splitting feature designed for group dinners, travel expenses, and shared payments. According to a report from Mark Gurman, the company plans to announce the feature at WWDC next week as part of iOS 27.

The new tool would allow users to photograph a restaurant receipt, automatically calculate individual shares including tax and tips, assign items to specific people, and send payment requests directly through Apple Cash. The feature is expected to work inside both the Wallet app and Messages, with payment approvals also supported through the Apple Watch.

Apple is quietly expanding its financial ecosystem again

The bill-splitting tool represents another major step in Apple’s long-running effort to deepen the iPhone’s role in personal finance. Since launching Apple Pay in 2014, Apple has steadily expanded into financial services with products like Apple Card, Apple Cash, savings accounts, and Tap to Pay for businesses.

This latest addition appears aimed directly at younger users who increasingly manage shared expenses digitally instead of using cash or traditional banking tools.

The system reportedly works by scanning a receipt using the iPhone camera, identifying individual items, calculating tax and tip allocations, and then generating payment requests automatically. Users can then settle balances through Apple Cash without needing separate third-party apps.

Apple is also reportedly working on custom digital pass creation inside Wallet, allowing users to generate their own event passes, gym cards, and digital credentials directly on-device.

Apple’s move also puts it in direct competition with established expense-sharing and peer-to-peer payment platforms. Splitwise, one of the most widely used bill-splitting apps globally, has surpassed 10 million monthly active users and has helped users manage more than $90 billion in shared expenses since 2011.

Meanwhile, Venmo continues to process more than $275 billion in annual payment volume, while Cash App reports roughly 57 million monthly active users. By integrating bill splitting directly into Wallet, Messages, Apple Cash, and Apple Watch, Apple is attempting to remove the need for separate apps altogether and keep more financial activity inside its ecosystem.

Apple’s biggest advantage, however, may be integration. Unlike standalone apps, the new feature would be deeply built into iOS, Messages, Wallet, Apple Watch, and Apple Cash simultaneously.

Why this Matters

Apple appears increasingly focused on making the iPhone central to everyday financial activity. Bill splitting may sound small compared to AI announcements or hardware launches, but these kinds of ecosystem features often strengthen long-term user retention more effectively than flashy upgrades.

The move could also pressure third-party expense-sharing apps that currently rely on convenience as their biggest selling point. If Apple can make splitting payments frictionless across iPhones, many casual users may stop downloading separate apps entirely.

At the same time, Apple’s financial expansion has faced challenges. The Apple Card partnership with Goldman Sachs has struggled financially, and Apple previously shut down its buy-now-pay-later offering less than a year after launch.

What happens next

Apple is expected to officially reveal the new bill-splitting feature during WWDC alongside broader iOS 27 announcements focused heavily on AI, Siri upgrades, and Apple Intelligence. The update is also expected to include AI-powered photo editing tools, a redesigned Siri experience, and deeper Wallet integration across Apple devices.

If the feature works smoothly, Apple may end up doing what it often does best: turning a separate app category into a built-in iPhone feature that millions of users adopt simply because it is already there.