FireWire may be on the verge of being phased out entirely as Apple has removed all support for it in the first developer beta of macOS 26, also known as Tahoe. This significant change has led to the complete elimination of the FireWire section from the System Information app, and developers have noted that FireWire devices no longer appear in Disk Utility or Finder. There is no indication that Apple intends to reinstate FireWire support. Notably, legacy devices such as the first-generation iPod will no longer be compatible with macOS 26 due to this removal, and even Thunderbolt adapters or docks fail to recognize any FireWire hardware.
Originally introduced in 1999, FireWire, officially named IEEE 1394, was Apple’s response to the sluggish USB 1.0 standard, offering impressive speeds of 400 megabits per second at the time. This technology became essential for digital video editing, external drives, and professional audio equipment. FireWire played a pivotal role in the early 2000s with devices like the original iPod, which relied on it for syncing and charging. In 2003, FireWire 800 was introduced to double transfer speeds, yet Apple drifted towards USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt, neglecting the later versions of FireWire altogether.
The decline of FireWire was gradual, as USB 2.0 became more popular due to its speed and easier licensing. By the late 2000s, Apple began phasing it out, and the last Mac with a native FireWire port was released over a decade ago. While Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 now dominate modern workflows, those who require FireWire will need to stick to older macOS versions or maintain aging hardware. Though its relevance has diminished, FireWire significantly impacted the industry by making digital creativity accessible to many.
It played a key role in Apple’s transformation during the rise of the iPod and iPhone era. Despite its impending fade into history, FireWire leaves behind a notable legacy in digital technology.
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