Macs have a excessive value so it’s comprehensible that many Mac customers will wish to postpone changing them for so long as they’ll. However simply how lengthy do you have to anticipate a Mac to final?
You might also be contemplating shopping for a secondhand Mac and questioning how previous is simply too previous? For instance, is that 2017 MacBook Professional for $300/£300 a great deal, or would you be higher off spending a bit extra on a more moderen mannequin?
One issue to think about is the age at which most Macs begin to expertise points, corresponding to random shutdowns and degraded batteries that not maintain their cost. Sadly, at one level repairing your Mac or MacBook will not be a viable possibility and you will have to search for a substitute.
One other situation with getting older Macs is that the software program you want might not run on it. You might also discover that Apple not helps the working system software program that runs on that Mac – which may go away you open to malware and safety vulnerabilities.
On this article, we’ll tackle the above, in addition to give recommendation about which Macs are nonetheless supported by Apple, the Macs that may nonetheless be repaired if required (Apple stops offering the required elements after quite a lot of years), and the Macs that Apple considers out of date and classic. Being Classic means Apple might have the elements obtainable when you wished to repair the Mac, however as soon as Out of date Apple won’t present elements if you wish to try to repair the machine.
When do I want to exchange my Mac?
There are a number of indicators that your Mac has reached the tip of its helpful life:
- Apple not helps the newest model of the software program it runs (which may go away you weak).
- The apps it is advisable to use not run on it.
- The Mac struggles to carry out the duties you want it to – particularly when you can’t replace the RAM or some other parts.
- One thing breaks and is simply too costly to repair, or the elements aren’t obtainable.
- The Mac is changing into unreliable. Sudden shutdowns have gotten commonplace and also you’ve tried every little thing to repair the issue to no avail.
Which Macs are supported by macOS updates?
Solely the latest model of macOS will get function updates, however Apple often maintains the final three variations of the macOS with bug fixes and vital safety updates, guaranteeing that the newest model of Safari will run, and that Apple Companies, corresponding to iCloud, are absolutely supported
Because of this Apple will at present present help for these variations of macOS: macOS Sequoia, macOS Sonoma (macOS 14), and macOS Ventura (macOS 13). Previous to the arrival of Sequoia in September 2024, Monterey (macOS 12) was additionally supported, however now Monterey has fallen off that checklist and with it Mac from earlier than 2017, and in some instances, 2018.
In case your Mac is working Sequoia, Sonoma, or Ventura you must be capable of be assured that Apple will regulate any safety vulnerabilities and different issues with these working techniques. (Certainly, Apple issued a safety replace for Sonoma and Ventura on the day that Sequoia arrived).
Nevertheless, in case your Mac is working an older model of the working system, corresponding to macOS Massive Sur, macOS Catalina or older, you will see that your self out within the chilly in terms of important safety updates to Apple’s software program.
If the software program is simply too previous you may additionally discover that your different Apple merchandise aren’t suitable together with your Mac. With out the newest safety replace, it’s possible you’ll not be capable of use Apple Pay or different means to pay for providers on-line, for instance. And if you wish to sync your iPad or iPhone together with your Mac (slightly than utilizing iCloud) you will have a latest model of macOS. Since Catalina, syncing is finished by way of the Finder, slightly than iTunes. In case you can’t run Catalina you will have a minimum of iTunes 12.8.2.3 and a minimum of Mac OS X 10.11.6 (El Capitan) or your Mac won’t acknowledge your iPhone or iPad.
It’s not only a case of updating your Mac to the newest model of macOS although. Every time Apple updates the Mac working system extra Macs fall off the checklist of these supported. Learn: The newest model of macOS your Mac can run.
In case your Macs isn’t within the checklist of supported Macs beneath, it received’t obtain vital safety updates:
Macs supported by macOS Sequoia
2024’s Sequoia helps the next Macs.
- MacBook Air from 2020 and later
- MacBook Professional from 2018 and later
- Mac mini from 2018 and later
- iMac from 2019 and later
- iMac Professional from 2017
- Mac Professional from 2019 and later
- Mac Studio (all fashions)
Learn: Which Macs will run macOS Sequoia?
Macs supported by macOS Sonoma
2023’s Sonoma helps the next Macs.
- MacBook Air from 2018 and later
- MacBook Professional from 2018 and later
- Mac mini from 2018 and later
- iMac from 2019 and later
- iMac Professional from 2017
- Mac Professional from 2019 and later
- Mac Studio (all fashions)
Learn: Which Macs run Sonoma?
Macs supported by macOS Ventura
2022’s macOS Ventura helps the next Macs:
- MacBook fashions from 2017 or later
- MacBook Air fashions from 2018 or later
- MacBook Professional fashions from 2017 or later
- Mac mini fashions from 2018 or later
- iMac fashions from 2017 or later
- iMac Professional (all fashions)
- Mac Professional fashions from 2019 or later
- Mac Studio (all fashions)
Learn: Can my Mac run Ventura?
Because of this the oldest Macs supported proper now are from 2017, and in some instances, 2018.
Which Macs aren’t supported by macOS?
When Apple launched Sequoia in 2023 it dropped help for macOS Monterey. These Macs won’t get safety updates following the removing of help for Monterey:
- iMac (fashions from 2015)
- MacBook Air (fashions from 2015 and 2017 fashions)
- MacBook Professional (2015 and 2016 fashions)
- Mac mini (2014 fashions)
- Mac Professional (2013 mannequin: cylinder/trash can)
- MacBook (2016 mannequin)
This provides to the checklist of Macs that aren’t supported with safety updates, which incorporates: the 12-inch MacBook launched in early 2015, the mid-2013 MacBook Air and the early-2014 MacBook Air, late-2013 MacBook Professional and mid-2014 MacBook Professional, or the 2014 iMac.
All different Macs that pre-date these talked about above are not supported by Apple’s software program updates.
In case your Mac is a decade previous then you definately received’t get safety updates for it.
Does it matter if my Mac received’t run a supported macOS?
As soon as you can’t replace your Mac to run a supported model of macOS you’re weak to safety breaches, which ought to clearly be a priority. You might also discover which you can’t perform transactions on the web if you wish to pay for issues in your out-of-date Mac.
You might also discover that the software program you want received’t run in your Mac. Apple and different corporations cease supporting older variations of the purposes they make, so there might be points with the variations of the software program you’re working. If you’re experiencing random shutdowns, for instance, it might be on account of issues with an app you’re working – issues that won’t be addressed by the developer as a result of that model of the app is not supported.
If you wish to run absolutely supported software program then you will have to replace to a more moderen model of macOS – and which will imply that it is advisable to replace your Mac. There are workarounds to set up a brand new model of macOS on an previous Mac if it is advisable to.
Apple helps Macs with working system updates for about eight to 10 years, after which era Apple won’t help the software program and it’s in all probability a great time to exchange your Mac.
When do Macs develop into out of date?
Nevertheless it’s not simply software program updates that decide the lifespan of a Mac. It’s additionally a query of whether or not it is going to be potential to repair your Mac ought to one thing go incorrect with the {hardware}. Apple has two requirements that point out {hardware} help is waining: Out of date or Classic. The primary stage is Classic: you may be fortunate sufficient to get elements for this Mac, the second is Out of date: you’re out by yourself in terms of any try to fix the Mac if it goes incorrect.
In case you take a look at Apple’s checklist of Out of date Macs – these being the Macs that Apple will not present spare elements for – you will notice that the corporate stops offering elements for Macs that it hasn’t offered for greater than seven years. In actual fact, the corporate might not even present elements for Macs that haven’t been offered for greater than 5 years (thought-about Classic by the corporate).
This might imply that you just received’t be capable of get a defective Mac fastened as a result of the elements aren’t obtainable.
Out of date Macs
Out of date Macs are usually Macs that Apple stopped promoting greater than seven years in the past. As soon as a Mac is in Apple’s out of date checklist you might have little likelihood of getting it repaired if one thing does go incorrect. You may be capable of discover spare elements your self, however Apple received’t present them.
You’ll discover extra particulars concerning the precise fashions on Apple’s devoted web page, however the lists beneath offers you a basic concept.
Apple considers the next Macs and older Out of date, with the 2014 iMacs (21.5-inch and 27-inch) added within the second half of 2024.
- 11-inch MacBook Air (early 2014 and older)
- 12-inch MacBook (2015)
- 13-inch MacBook Air (early 2014 and older)
- 13-inch MacBook Professional (mid 2014 and older)
- 15-inch MacBook Professional (mid 2014 and older)
- 27-inch iMac (late 2014 and older) – newly added
- 21.5-inch iMac (mid 2014 and older) – newly added
- Mac mini (2012 and older)
- Mac mini Server (2012 and older)
- Mac Professional (2010 and older)
- Something predating the Intel swap, clearly.
Classic Macs
Apple additionally has an inventory of Classic Macs. These are Macs that Apple stopped promoting between 5 and 7 years in the past. (In case you dwell in France the place a regulation means you will get help for spare elements for as much as seven years after Apple stops promoting a Mac).
Apple Approved Service Suppliers will restore classic merchandise for as much as seven years, so long as elements can be found.
Apple lists the next merchandise as being classic, with the 2017 iMacs (21.5- and 27-inch), 2014 Mac mini, and the 2019 13-inch and 2018 15-inch MacBook Professional’s added within the second half of 2024.
- 12-inch MacBook (2016)
- 13-inch MacBook Air (2015)
- 13-inch MacBook Professional (2015, 2016, 2017 & 2019)
- 15-inch MacBook Professional (2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018)
- 21.5-inch iMac (2013, 2015 & 2017)
- 27-inch iMac (2017)
- Mac Professional (2012)
- Mac mini (2014)
Based mostly on the above, we’d recommend that in case your Mac is greater than eight years previous, it’s time to search for a brand new one. And, when you see a 2015 or earlier Mac on sale, it’s not smart to purchase it. Learn: Why you shouldn’t purchase a second hand Mac.
See: Greatest Mac 2024: Each Apple Mac and MacBook in contrast
Ought to I repair my Mac or purchase a brand new one?
In case your Mac is within the Out of date class above and one thing goes incorrect with it then you will battle to get the required elements when you wished to aim to get it fastened as Apple received’t present the elements.
You may be capable of purchase an previous Mac on eBay or related and scrap if for the elements, however we’d recommend that it actually wouldn’t be definitely worth the effort.
In case your Mac is within the Classic checklist then Apple may be capable of present the required elements, however there is no such thing as a assure. If you’re fortunate sufficient to get the half an Apple service supplier may even be capable of repair the Mac for you – however the price of the work is more likely to be prohibitive.
You may discover that the Mac was included in a part of a recall as a result of situation you’re experiencing, in that case, it may be value enlisting in a restore program. Nevertheless, if the time interval during which Apple was providing the repairs has handed (which is sadly seemingly) then you’ll nonetheless must come up with the money for the restore, which once more may be prohibitive.
Apple restore applications
Apple’s present Mac restore applications embrace:
- A recall for 15-inch MacBook Professional items from on account of a battery fault 2015-2017
- Keyboard providers for some Mac laptops purchased since 2016
Service applications which have now ended:
- A 13-inch MacBook Professional backlit service program for fashions from 2016-2018
- A SSD service program for 13in MacBook Professional fashions from 2017-2018
- A battery substitute program for 13in MacBook Professionals from 2016-2017
Now we have extra details about Apple’s product remembers and restore applications right here. Plus, go to this web page for extra info on the above restore applications.
Assuming your fault isn’t a kind of listed above, it’s possible you’ll be confronted with a pricy restore invoice. We advise that in case your Mac is older than 5 years then repairing it won’t be value it – until in fact there are vital paperwork or pictures on it that you just wish to retrieve during which case it may be value tips on how to get well these recordsdata.
Ought to I replace my Mac or purchase a brand new one?
This can be a related query to the one above in as a lot as you may be weighing up whether or not spending cash to enhance your Mac may be extra savvy than shopping for a brand new Mac.
There are numerous methods you may be capable of enhance your present Mac, together with including extra RAM or altering from a tough drive to a SSD. In case you can improve the parts inside your Mac you could possibly pace it up and make it extra able to doing what you want. See improve a Mac.
Nevertheless, many Macs can’t be upgraded in any respect. Lately Apple has taken to soldering RAM in place and hiding parts away to make entry not possible (or a minimum of not possible when you don’t wish to fully destroy your Mac trying to get to them). With M-series Macs reminiscence, GPU and CPU are all built-in onto the chip, so it’s not possible to improve them. Nor are you able to replace the SSD as it’s soldered onto the motherboard.
That stated, there are methods to improve your Mac. Learn: improve your M2 Mac mini for concepts.
In case you determine to purchase a brand new Mac take a look at our round-ups of the very best Mac offers you will get:
Can I replace the RAM in my Mac?
You probably have one of many following Macs you may be capable of replace the RAM:
- MacBook (2008 to 2011 fashions)
- MacBook Professional (2009-2012 13in, 2008-2012 15in, all 17-inch fashions)
- iMac: The RAM could be up to date within the majority of iMacs aside from the 21.5in fashions from Mid-2014 and Late-2015, which had their RAM soldered into place.
- Mac mini: (2010-2012 and the 2018 mannequin)
- Mac Professional: (all fashions)
- iMac Professional: RAM isn’t user-accessible, however could be up to date at an Apple Retailer or Apple Approved Service Supplier.
You may’t replace the RAM in any MacBook Air fashions.
We clarify which Macs have accessible RAM on this article and likewise take a look at tips on how to replace the RAM.
What can I replace in my Mac?
It might be potential to replace different parts, together with the SSD, onerous drive, battery, logic board, onerous drive, however that is solely potential for a number of Macs and the method is just for the professional. In case you’d wish to strive learn: improve a Mac.
If you’re up for pulling your Mac aside and trying to improve its parts then by all means strive, however be sure to again it up first and be ready to confess defeat if it doesn’t go as deliberate.
As for whether or not it’s value upgrading your Macs RAM or some other element – assuming you will get the elements – slightly than shopping for a brand new Mac? Maybe it’s going to purchase you a number of extra years of use. Nevertheless, we’d be inclined to recommend that in case your Mac is older than seven years it actually isn’t value it (and, you’ll discover, the MacBooks that may have their RAM upgraded are typically older than that).
How lengthy do Macs final?
So, in reply to the query: How lengthy do Macs final? We’d say 5 to eight years, however beware that you could be not be capable of change any defective elements in a Mac when greater than 5 years have handed since Apple final offered it.
Before you purchase a brand new Mac, learn our article concerning the greatest time to purchase a Mac or MacBook.
You might also wish to learn our Greatest Mac Shopping for Information for assist deciding which Mac to purchase. We even have a information to the Greatest MacBook.
Questioning how lengthy Apple helps iPhones and iPads for? Learn How lengthy do iPhones final and how lengthy Apple helps iPads for.