Macs have a excessive value so it’s comprehensible that many Mac customers will wish to delay 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You might also be contemplating shopping for a secondhand Mac and questioning how outdated is simply too outdated? For instance, is that 2017 MacBook Professional for $300/£300 a very good deal, or would you be higher off spending a bit extra on a more recent 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 possibility and you have to to search for a alternative.
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 now not helps the working system software program that runs on that Mac – which might depart you open to malware and safety vulnerabilities.
On this article, we are going to 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if required (Apple stops offering the required components after numerous years), and the Macs that Apple considers out of date and classic.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Classic means Apple might have the components out there if you happen to needed to repair the Mac, however as soon as Out of date Apple is not going to present components if you wish to attempt to repair the machine.
When do I want to exchange my Mac?
There are a couple 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 might depart you susceptible).
- 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 if you happen to can’t replace the RAM or every other elements.
- One thing breaks and is simply too costly to repair, or the components aren’t out there.
- The Mac is turning into unreliable. Surprising shutdowns have gotten commonplace and also you’ve tried every part 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 necessary safety updates, guaranteeing that the newest model of Safari will run, and that Apple Providers, akin to iCloud, are totally supported
Because of this Apple will at present 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 listing and with it Mac from earlier than 2017, and in some circumstances, 2018.
In case your Mac is operating Sonoma, Ventura or Monterey (for now) it’s best to be capable to be assured that Apple will keep watch over any safety vulnerabilities and different issues with these working methods.
Nevertheless, in case your Mac is operating an older model of the working system – macOS Huge Sur, macOS Catalina or older – you can see your self out within the chilly on the subject of important updates to Apple’s software program.
If the software program is simply too outdated you might also discover that your different Apple merchandise aren’t appropriate along 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 along with your Mac (moderately than utilizing iCloud) you have to a latest model of macOS. Since Catalina, syncing is finished by way of the Finder, moderately than iTunes. Should you can’t run Catalina you have to at the very least iTunes 12.8.2.3 and at the very least Mac OS X 10.11.6 (El Capitan) or your Mac is not going to 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 listing of these supported. Learn: The newest model of macOS your Mac can run.
In case your Macs isn’t within the listing of supported Macs beneath, it gained’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?
Because of this 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 listing shall be diminished to 2017, and in some circumstances, 2018 fashions.
So, if you happen to had been hoping that your decade-old Mac would nonetheless be supported by Apple, put together to be disenchanted.
Which Macs aren’t supported by macOS?
When Apple launched Sonoma in 2023 it dropped assist for macOS Huge Sur.
Huge 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
Because of this 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 listing 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 gained’t run a supported macOS?
As soon as you can not replace your Mac to run a supported model of macOS you might be susceptible 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 gained’t run in your Mac. Apple and different firms cease supporting older variations of the functions they make, so there may very well be points with the variations of the software program you might be operating. In case you are experiencing random shutdowns, for instance, it may very well be as a consequence of issues with an app you might be operating – 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 totally supported software program then you have to to replace to a more recent model of macOS – and that will imply that it is advisable to replace your Mac. There are workarounds to set up a brand new model of macOS on an outdated Mac if it is advisable to.
Apple helps Macs with working system updates for about eight to 10 years, after which period Apple is not going to assist the software program and it’s in all probability a very good time to exchange your Mac.
When do Macs turn 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 flawed 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 is likely to be fortunate sufficient to get components for this Mac, the second is Out of date: you might be out by yourself on the subject of any try to fix the Mac if it goes flawed.
Should you take a look at Apple’s listing of Out of date Macs – these being the Macs that Apple will now not present spare components for – you will notice that the corporate stops offering components for Macs that it hasn’t offered for greater than seven years. The truth is, the corporate might not even present components for Macs that haven’t been offered for greater than 5 years (thought-about Classic by the corporate).
This might imply that you simply gained’t be capable to get a defective Mac fastened as a result of the components aren’t out there.
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 listing you may have little likelihood of getting it repaired if one thing does go flawed. You would possibly be capable to discover spare components your self, however Apple gained’t present them.
You’ll discover extra particulars in regards to the actual fashions on Apple’s devoted web page, however the lists beneath will provide you with a basic 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. (Should you reside in France the place a regulation means you may get assist for spare components 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 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 listing that you simply would possibly take into account 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 definitely means that in case your Mac is from earlier than 2015 it’s time to search for a brand new one. And, if you happen to 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.
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 flawed with it then you’ll battle to get the mandatory components if you happen to needed to try to get it fastened as Apple gained’t present the components.
You would possibly be capable to purchase an outdated Mac on eBay or comparable and scrap if for the components, however we’d recommend that it actually wouldn’t be well worth the effort.
In case your Mac is within the Classic listing then Apple would possibly be capable to present the required components, however there is no such thing as a assure. In case you are fortunate sufficient to get the half an Apple service supplier would possibly even be capable to repair the Mac for you – however the price of the work is more likely to be prohibitive.
You would possibly discover that the Mac was included in a part of a recall as a result of situation you might be experiencing, in that case, it is likely to be value enlisting in a restore program. Nevertheless, if the time interval through which Apple was providing the repairs has handed (which is sadly probably) then you’ll nonetheless need to afford the restore, which once more is likely to be prohibitive.
Apple restore packages
Apple’s present Mac restore packages embrace:
- A recall for 15-inch MacBook Professional items from as a consequence of a battery fault 2015-2017
- Keyboard providers for some Mac laptops purchased since 2016
Service packages 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 alternative program for 13in MacBook Professionals from 2016-2017
Now we have extra details about Apple’s product recollects and restore packages right here. Plus, go to this web page for extra info on the above restore packages.
Assuming your fault isn’t a kind 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 is not going to be value it – except in fact there are necessary paperwork or pictures on it that you simply wish to retrieve through which case it is likely to be value taking a look at get well these information.
Ought to I replace my Mac or purchase a brand new one?
It is a comparable query to the one above in as a lot as you can be weighing up whether or not spending cash to enhance your Mac is likely to be extra savvy than shopping for a brand new Mac.
There are numerous methods you would possibly be capable to enhance your current Mac, together with including extra RAM or altering from a tough drive to a SSD. Should you 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 The best way to 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 inconceivable (or at the very least inconceivable if you happen to don’t wish to utterly destroy your Mac making an attempt to get to them). With M-series Macs reminiscence, GPU and CPU are all built-in onto the chip, so it’s inconceivable 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: The best way to improve your M2 Mac mini for concepts.
Should you resolve to purchase a brand new Mac take a look at our round-ups of one of the best Mac offers you may get:
Can I replace the RAM in my Mac?
When you have one of many following Macs you would possibly 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 could 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 could be up to date at an Apple Retailer or Apple Approved Service Supplier.
You possibly can’t replace the RAM in any MacBook Air fashions.
We clarify which Macs have accessible RAM on this article and in addition take a look at replace the RAM.
What can I replace in my Mac?
It could be doable to replace different elements, together with the SSD, exhausting drive, battery, logic board, exhausting drive, however that is solely doable for a couple of Macs and the method is just for the professional. Should you’d wish to strive learn:
The best way to improve a Mac.
In case you are up for pulling your Mac aside and making an attempt to improve its elements then by all means strive, 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 value upgrading your Macs RAM or every other part – assuming you may get the components – moderately than shopping for a brand new Mac? Maybe it’s going to purchase you a couple 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 usually 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 exchange any defective components 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 in regards to the finest 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.