If you are a MacBook user or planning to buy a new one, you must be thinking about a few things, such as the features, the functionality, and the life expectancy of the integrated technology.
It is natural to have different questions coming to your mind, particularly when you are spending such a huge amount. Generally, Apple products last long, but then there are factors that contribute to the lifespan, and it changes from one user to another.
A lot depends on what you plan to do with the device. Some might be interested in entertainment, such as streaming or playing video games, whereas others are looking for a computer exclusively for work.
How Long Should a Mac Last?
First, the longevity of your device depends upon a lot of factors that decide how long you use it? Do you run heavy applications on it? How much care do you put into your computer?
And many more. If a user does only a little work on his MacBook, like watching movies, reading, typing for a short period of time, then there will be a possibility that the MacBook will last a little bit longer than the other user who works all day and night and runs heavy applications on the MacBook.
If we look at MacBook OS compatibility, we can see that MacBook is eligible to get the latest versions for about seven years. So, if you buy a Mac in 2022, it will receive Mac OS updates till 2029. That makes sense, as it goes pretty well for at least seven years.
Longevity also depends on the type of MacBook you have purchased. If you have bought the latest one, then it might last a bit longer than its older versions.
What Happens With an Aging Mac?
You can’t just buy a technology today and expect it to work for you till the end. This doesn’t happen in today’s digital era when technology advances every other day; no matter how latest your laptop is, it will become obsolete one day.
If you are thinking about why this happens, here’s the explanation. Suppose you purchased a laptop integrating the best technology. Now every year, the manufacturer will launch the latest software that can run into your computer. Year on year, the software will get the latest version, but the hardware remains unchanged.
Nonetheless, a point comes when no compatibility lies between the software and the hardware, and that’s why buying a new laptop becomes a necessity after a period of time. If we talk about Mac, Apple doesn’t provide parts for a technology that has become obsolete. For the uninitiated users, the obsolete computers are those that Apple stopped manufacturing more than 7 years ago.
For reference, below are the technologies that Apple considers to be obsolete:
- 7-inch iMac (late 2012 and older)
- 21.5-inch iMac (late 2012 and older)
- MacBook Air, 13-inch and 11-inch (mid-2013 and older)
- 13-inch MacBook Pro (2011 and older)
- 15-inch MacBook Pro (2012 and older)
- Mac mini (2011 and older)
- Mac Pro (2010 and older)
- All pre-Intel Macs are obsolete
When It’s Time to Replace Your Mac
There are some signs that can tell whether you need to buy a new Mac, or a little repair and tweaks will make it good to go.
- When You Can’t Run the Latest Versions of macOS
Every year Apple releases its new versions, commonly around fall. So, if your Mac has become too old to update to newer versions, then it’s a sign of buying a new one.
- Storage Space Becomes an Issue
So, as technology advances, apps and software continue to consume more space. So, if you consistently notice a lack of storage space on your laptop, try these steps to resolve the issue:
- Get rid of temporary system junk
- Delete localization and other redundant data
- Transfer files to external storage
- When Mac Experiences Frequent Software Issues
When you experience that your Mac has become unresponsive and started showing visual glitches or random shutdowns, it’s an indication that you need to buy a new Mac.
A Little Attention Can Extend MacBook’s Lifespan
A few things, when considered carefully, can increase the life expectancy of your MacBook. First, make sure to update the software and operating system regularly to the possible extent. The latest software updates improve security, boosts the system’s efficiency, helps save energy, and much more.
Secondly, scan your computer frequently to check for viruses using a reliable antivirus application. The virus can corrupt the software and hard drive of your computer. So, a good antivirus is also a necessity to ensure the healthy life of your computer, whether you are using a Mac or a Windows laptop.
Thirdly, go for a regular hardware checkup. A regular diagnosis of the computer increases the performance, portability, and hence the life expectancy of your Mac. If you check your digital devices on a regular basis, there will be fewer chances of getting any performance issues in the end.
So, even if you run resource-intensive applications on your Mac, there are possibilities that they run well for almost three to four years. However, you need to take good care if you want your device to work beyond the lifespan of at least five years.
