Macs have a excessive worth so it’s comprehensible that many Mac customers will need to delay changing them for so long as they will. However simply how lengthy must you count on 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, akin to random shutdowns and degraded batteries that now not maintain their cost. Sadly, at one level repairing your Mac or MacBook will now not be a viable choice and you will have to search for a substitute.
One other challenge with getting old Macs is that the software program you want could not run on it. You might also discover that Apple now not helps the working system software program that runs on that Mac – which may depart you open to malware and safety vulnerabilities.
On this article, we’ll deal with 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if required (Apple stops offering the required components after numerous years), and the Macs that Apple considers out of date and classic. Being Classic means Apple could have the components accessible in case you needed to repair the Mac, however as soon as Out of date Apple won’t present components if you wish to try to repair the machine.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 now not helps the newest model of the software program it runs (which may depart you weak).
- The apps it is advisable to use now not run on it.
- The Mac struggles to carry out the duties you want it to – particularly in case you can’t replace the RAM or some other elements.
- One thing breaks and is simply too costly to repair, or the components aren’t accessible.
- The Mac is turning 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 newest model of macOS will get function updates, however Apple normally maintains the final three variations of the macOS with bug fixes and necessary safety updates, making certain that the newest model of Safari will run, and that Apple Companies, akin to iCloud, are absolutely supported
Which means Apple will presently present assist for these variations of macOS: macOS Sonoma (macOS 14), macOS Ventura (macOS 13), and Monterey (macOS 12). When Apple introduces macOS Sequoia later in 2024, Monterey will fall off that record and with it Mac from earlier than 2017, and in some circumstances, 2018.
In case your Mac is working Sonoma, Ventura or Monterey (for now) you need to be capable to be assured that Apple will regulate any safety vulnerabilities and different issues with these working programs.
Nevertheless, in case your Mac is working an older model of the working system – macOS Massive Sur, macOS Catalina or older – you will see that your self out within the chilly in the case of important 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 appropriate together with your Mac. With out the newest safety replace, you could now not be capable to 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 through the Finder, slightly than iTunes. If you happen to can’t run Catalina you will have not less than iTunes 12.8.2.3 and not less than 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 record of these supported. Learn: The newest model of macOS your Mac can run.
In case your Macs isn’t within the record of supported Macs under, it received’t obtain necessary safety updates:
Macs that shall be supported by macOS Sequoia
2024’s Sequoia will assist 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 Intel 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:Â Can my Mac run Ventura?
Macs supported by macOS Monterey
2021’s macOS Monterey helps the next Macs:
- MacBook fashions from 2016 or later
- MacBook Air fashions from 2015 or later
- MacBook Professional fashions from 2015 or later
- Mac mini fashions from 2014 or later
- iMac fashions from autumn 2015 or later
- iMac Professional (all fashions)
- Mac Professional fashions from 2013 or later
Learn: Can your Mac run Monterey?
Which means the oldest Macs supported proper now are the 2013 Mac Professional (black cylinder mannequin), the 2014 Mac mini and the 2015 MacBook and and Professional fashions. However, by the autumn of 2024, when Apple introduces macOS Sequoia, the supported Mac record shall be diminished to 2017, and in some circumstances, 2018 fashions.
So, in case you had been hoping that your decade-old Mac would nonetheless be supported by Apple, put together to be upset.
Which Macs aren’t supported by macOS?
When Apple launched Sonoma in 2023 it dropped assist for macOS Massive Sur.
Massive Sur, which launched in 2020 supported the next Macs:
- MacBook fashions from early 2015 or later
- MacBook Air fashions from 2013 or later
- MacBook Professional fashions from 2013 or later
- Mac mini fashions from 2014 or later
- iMac fashions from 2014 or later
- iMac Professional (all fashions)
- Mac Professional fashions from 2013 or later
Which means Apple now not helps safety updates for 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.
By fall 2024, when Apple launched Sequoia, it’s going to drop assist for macOS Monterey and the record of unsupported Macs will embrace 2015 and 2016 fashions.
All different Macs that pre-date these talked about above are now not supported by Apple’s software program updates.
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 could’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 could possibly be points with the variations of the software program you’re working. If you’re experiencing random shutdowns, for instance, it could possibly be because 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 now 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 period Apple won’t assist the software program and it’s in all probability a great time to exchange your Mac.
When do Macs develop into out of date?
But it surely’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 doable to repair your Mac ought to one thing go fallacious with the {hardware}. Apple has two requirements that point out {hardware} assist is waining: Out of date or Classic. The primary stage is Classic: you could be fortunate sufficient to get components for this Mac, the second is Out of date: you’re out by yourself in the case of any try to fix the Mac if it goes fallacious.
If you happen to have a look at Apple’s record of Out of date Macs – these being the Macs that Apple will now not present spare components for – you will note that the corporate stops offering components for Macs that it hasn’t bought for greater than seven years. In reality, the corporate could not even present components for Macs that haven’t been bought for greater than 5 years (thought-about Classic by the corporate).
This might imply that you just received’t be capable to get a defective Mac mounted as a result of the components aren’t accessible.
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 record you’ve little probability of getting it repaired if one thing does go fallacious. You may be capable to discover spare components your self, however Apple received’t present them.
You’ll discover extra particulars in regards to the precise fashions on Apple’s devoted web page, however the lists under gives you a normal thought.
As of June 2024, Apple considers the next Macs and older Out of date:
- 11-inch MacBook Air (early 2014 and older)Â
- 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 2013 and older)
- 21.5-inch iMac (late 2013 and older)
- Mac mini (2012 and older)
- Mac mini Server (2012 and older)
- Mac Professional (2010 and older)
- Something predating the Intel change, 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. (If you happen to dwell in France the place a regulation means you will get assist for spare components for as much as seven years after Apple stops promoting a Mac).
Apple Licensed Service Suppliers will restore classic merchandise for as much as seven years, so long as components can be found.
Apple lists the next merchandise as being classic:
- 12-inch MacBook (2016)
- 13-inch MacBook Air (2015)
- 13-inch MacBook Professional (2015, 2016 and 2017)
- 15-inch MacBook Professional (2015, 2016 and 2017)
- 21.5-inch iMac (2013 and 2015)
- 27-inch iMac (2015)
- Mac Professional (2012)
There are some Macs in that record that you just may contemplate fairly ‘new’, such because the 2017 MacBook Professional fashions, or the 5K iMac from 2015, however these are already seen as Classic by Apple, and something older is Out of date.
This actually means that in case your Mac is from earlier than 2015 it’s time to search for a brand new one. And, in case you see a 2015 or earlier Mac on sale, it’s not wise to purchase it. Learn: Why you shouldn’t purchase a second hand Mac.
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 fallacious with it then you will battle to get the required components in case you needed to aim to get it mounted as Apple received’t present the components.
You may be capable to purchase an previous Mac on eBay or related and scrap if for the components, however we’d counsel that it actually wouldn’t be well worth the effort.
In case your Mac is within the Classic record then Apple may be capable to present the required components, however there isn’t any assure. If you’re fortunate sufficient to get the half an Apple service supplier may even be capable to repair the Mac for you – however the price of the work is prone to be prohibitive.
You may discover that the Mac was included in a part of a recall as a result of challenge you’re experiencing, in that case, it could be price enlisting in a restore program. Nevertheless, if the time interval by which Apple was providing the repairs has handed (which is sadly seemingly) then you’ll nonetheless need to manage to pay for the restore, which once more could be prohibitive.
Apple restore applications
Apple’s present Mac restore applications embrace:
- A recall for 15-inch MacBook Professional items from because 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
We’ve got extra details about Apple’s product remembers and restore applications right here. Plus, go to this web page for extra data on the above restore applications.
Assuming your fault isn’t a type of listed above, you could 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 price it – until in fact there are necessary paperwork or images on it that you just need to retrieve by which case it could be price taking a look at find out how to get better these information.
Ought to I replace my Mac or purchase a brand new one?
It is a related query to the one above in as a lot as you’ll be weighing up whether or not spending cash to enhance your Mac could be extra savvy than shopping for a brand new Mac.
There are numerous methods you may be capable to enhance your present Mac, together with including extra RAM or altering from a tough drive to a SSD. If you happen to can improve the elements inside your Mac you might be able to velocity 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. In recent times Apple has taken to soldering RAM in place and hiding elements away to make entry unattainable (or not less than unattainable in case you don’t need 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 unattainable to improve them. Nor are you able to replace the SSD as it’s soldered onto the motherboard.
That mentioned, there are methods to improve your Mac. Learn: improve your M2 Mac mini for concepts.
If you happen to resolve to purchase a brand new Mac try our round-ups of one of the best Mac offers you will get:
Can I replace the RAM in my Mac?
In case you have one of many following Macs you may be capable to replace the RAM:
- MacBook (2008 to 2011 fashions)
- MacBook Professional (2009-2012 13in, 2008-2012 15in, all 17-inch fashions)
- iMac: The RAM may be up to date within the majority of iMacs apart from the 21.5in fashions from Mid-2014 and Late-2015, which had their RAM soldered into place. Â
- Mac mini: (2010-2012 and the 2018 mannequin)
- Mac Professional: (all fashions)
- iMac Professional: RAM isn’t user-accessible, however may be up to date at an Apple Retailer or Apple Licensed Service Supplier.
You’ll be able to’t replace the RAM in any MacBook Air fashions.
We clarify which Macs have accessible RAM on this article and in addition have a look at find out how to replace the RAM.
What can I replace in my Mac?
It could be doable to replace different elements, together with the SSD, onerous drive, battery, logic board, onerous drive, however that is solely doable for a number of Macs and the method is just for the skilled. If you happen to’d wish to attempt learn:
improve a Mac.
If you’re up for pulling your Mac aside and trying to improve its elements then by all means attempt, however be sure you again it up first and be ready to confess defeat if it doesn’t go as deliberate.
As for whether or not it’s price upgrading your Macs RAM or some other part – assuming you will get the components – 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 counsel that in case your Mac is older than seven years it actually isn’t price 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 to change any defective components in a Mac when greater than 5 years have handed since Apple final bought it.
Before you purchase a brand new Mac, learn our article in regards to the greatest time to purchase a Mac or MacBook.
You might also need 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.