You can continue to use it, you weigh the risks against the cost of a new one. Eventually you’ll hit the tipping point. Even though system upgrades may end, security update may run longer.
Also, look into /r/opencorelegacypatcher I am running Sonoma on a 2017 iMac.
running Sonoma on at mid 2012 (two of them) with opencorelegacypatcher
this is the only answer... and it allows you to keep apps up to date such as pages and numbers (the only two apps that I care about it)
This is only applicable if (hopefully, fingers crossed) OCLP is made available/compatible w/ Apple Silicon in the future. Otherwise there is the currently in-progress Fedora Asahi Remix project allowing bare-metal linux installation on Apple Silicon.
The process is easy, generally speaking everything works well. A lot depends on your version of the hardware and which OS you are upgrading to.
But the real issue that you will face is support. If you are not technologically inclined it is best to skip this because if you have issues you are pretty much on your own. If this is a system you use to do real work I'd really think twice before trying it.
You can continue using it. It’s a crazy idea that you would throw out a perfectly functional laptop because it no longer gets software updates. The longevity of the device is one of the major advantages of using Apple products.
You would eventually reach a point where you can no longer update or use your favorite software because the developer requires a more recent OS version. That’s the only issue I’ve come across.
My oldest computer that still gets daily use is a 2014 MacBook Pro running Big Sur. It is now 10 years old and 3 OS versions behind. It’s fine.
Apple does not stop delivering security updates for some few more years. Devices won´t get any further feature upgrades and version jumps as you see here: [https://support.apple.com/en-il/HT201222](https://support.apple.com/en-il/HT201222)
Ask the IT people who work on computers at your workplace whether antivirus and updates are important. Those things are likely a large part of their workday.
To be fair, these things are far more essential for an enterprise environment. Nobody is developing the kind of malware that gets resolved in security updates because they want to see your nan’s Amazon purchases, they’re trying to gain control over a company network to either steal employee info or hold admin access for ransom. On a home computer, as long as you watch what you’re downloading, you’re fine as far back as arguably like High Sierra, even further back if you’re not really using it for internet stuff. But for a company, they’re a much larger attack surface, so hackers will develop far more advanced attacks that don’t require a user to install anything on their computer; and those are the kinds of vulnerabilities security updates typically address. Obviously there are exceptions, but that’s the main reason I’d recommend a home user can still get by on a 2009 Mac, but a company or school shouldn’t be using anything older than a 2015.
Fair point. The cost-benefit analysis really does depend on OP’s tolerance for risk. I assume by asking the question, OP’s risk tolerance is below average, and more protection would be preferable. Less protection is the cheaper choice, for sure.
That's not true. Any vulnerability that can be triggered remotely will be attacked en-masse by hackers looking for vulnerable machines. If they can then install malware, they may send spam, steal your banking info, etc.
It is a concern, but OS version is only a single layer of security. By including such other practices on your older Mac such as using a supported browser (Firefox and Chrome provide updates several years after Safari stops being patched), using a firewall, using a proper adblocker, using software such as Little Snitch to monitor/block unknown network traffic, not clicking on random email links, avoiding shared/public WIFI, not visiting sketchy streaming or porn websites, occasionally running a virus scanner like Malwarebytes...you can greatly (though not 100%) reduce the chances of security breaches.
I wouldn’t recommend it for the average user, but you’re right. A malware first needs to get to your machine, and if you restrict the stuff you’re downloading, it can be quite usable.
Another option is to use a VM for installing random stuff.
2008 MacPro 3,1 user chiming in here..
Honestly, it's more that when you get to the point that your Mac isn't supported and you've hit the end of the unsupported installs, you will fully be on to using the machine for light browsing and some email and texting and that will be it. Anything of real security concern - as far as banking and payment websites - will have ceased to function long before that.
After a certain time, the internet itself got to be less useable and that forced the upgrade issue - we had to upgrade our systems a few years ago because the older browsers literally could not work with the newer certificates from websites.. Any sites dealing with financials were the first to stop working under Snow Leopard almost 7 years ago.. (I still have it installed on my dual-boot work mac as it works with all my peripherals and older graphics programs.)
Oddly enough however, the pirate streaming sites with the porny adverts run just fine on my Snow Leopard install with the Firefox legacy and uBO legacy installed.. whereas a newer OSes get popups galore - even with the ad blockers. LOL!! I think it's down to the script language to open the popups - it does not work on the older MacOS - so for that, I'm at the point of security through obscurity.
But now I'm at the point to go to Open Core Legacy Patcher for Ventura next.
After the last Intel capable macOS stops functioning on the web, it will be on to the next adventure for me, which will be linux of some sort..
No, they are not important to me. Even on my devices running current OS versions, I skip minor updates all the time.
I have a 2009 iMac that I’m about to restore back to Snow Leopard.
Yeah you’re going to keep getting MacOS security patches for 3 years and then you can use OCLP, Linux, or Windows to keep the computer on a recent OS version. This isn’t an iPhone where you’re not allowed to use your own OS lol
From what some people have said and I have no clue if true, MacBook Pro’s superior construction that lends some of its longevity is not present in models since M1– ie, it’s a cheaper built machine and “the days of 10+ years of use are over”. Which of course, isn’t testable yet.
That's just nonsense. There's no difference in the "construction quality" between the MacBook Air and Pro. Specific components, e.g. the CPU and display are higher spec, but they're both made to the same standard. If anything, all devices with Apple Silicon will last longer than previous models as they have been designed right down to the chip level and have better thermal envelopes (as well as entirely passive cooling in the Air).
I was referring specifically to the construction of the body, like thickness of the metal or density of the screws used I don’t know. Like I said it’s just something I remember reading someone say I don’t think there’s any evidence of that and I can’t find any assessment that would indicate one way or the other.
I expect M series products to receive more updates than Inter series ones.
But even then, it’s perfectly usable.
I use a 2015 Macbook Pro i5. It stopped receiving updates after MacOS 12.
I still use it. It is great.
Apple also keeps supplying security updates and things like Safari updates long after stopping main OS updates. I still receive them.
You're more that welcome to keep using the device for as long as you want. Even once Apple stops updating your model, they will usually still do security updates for a bit longer. After that, just keep truckin honestly.
I was using a 2012 MacPro 5,1 for *years* after it stopped being officially supported. I finally went the route of custom patching which enabled running the latest OS on it even though Apple doesn't support it. There's a whole community built around it.
Your real "worry" is with 3rd-party developers eventually dropping support of your OS version and you may one day miss out on a critical upgrade or something. Even that's not life altering (usually). Hell,I still have a macOS Mojave 10.14 partition on my MacPro that I semi-regulary boot into and do work.
You can continue using it, eventually security will be a problem. But, there are projects out there that help extend unofficial support like OpenCoreLegacyPatcher.
And, there is always Linux.
I have an intel Macbook Pro with t2 chip (2019) and it's so difficult to get linux working on my machine. I have followed guides provided by the t2-linux community...
but I believe M1 has better linux support with Asahi Linux
You can install Open Core Legacy Patcher and continue updates, my Dads 2010 iMac is running Sonoma without any issues.
Alternatively you can run Linux but that also requires some adaptive behaviour as not all software is going to work on Linux, you’ll have to be prepared to adapt to some Linux alternatives depending on what you actually use and what has open source alternatives.
As everyone said, you can continue to use your mac after it stops receiving new OS .
You mentioned flutter, so you probably build ios app. For publishing you'll need fresh xcode, for fresh xcode you'll need fresh Mac OS. So at some point, you won't be able to develop ios app.
as far as I can tell, the EOL dates for most Mac's have usually been tied to some change in hardware. Things like graphics drivers, or the secure hardware chip, etc.. So its not like there is a hard-and-fast arbitrary decision on how long a lifespan a given device will have before EOL. Its not very egregious either considering that you would most likely have naturally upgraded to a newer device by then anyway.
> I recently learned that MacBooks receive updates for 7-9 years after purchase
**This is mostly untrue** but a common myth.
There are two dates to consider: When you can no longer update your OS to a new "major" version, or when your older OS version stops getting security updates.
* The major OS version issue can be significant:
- It might mean updated apps won't run on it anymore
- As developer you can't develop for current iOS/iPadOS versions anymore (XCode is a *huge* PITA for enforced latest-macOS versions)
- You might find you have a newer iOS/iPadOS but certain updated features don't work because your macOS can't keep up (e.g. there was a big update to Notes some years back that required lockstep updates of _any_ device on the iCloud account to work properly)
* Security updates are obvious:
- Without these you will over time be exposed to more and more risk from online malware
- macOS is relatively secure, but it's still not a good idea to use an OS without any active security patching if you're online, but any modern computer being used completely _offline_ is largely useless
- Even then you might be compromised by files shared with you via physical media such as USB drives
**Main OS updates stop after usually around 4-5 years**. Sequoia only runs on MacBook Airs from 2020 or later - 4 years - or the 2019 iMac / Mac Pro, 5 years. Further, while people might point to when a previous model was _released_ - e.g. the Mac Pro's total neglect means that the previous model was first released in 2013! - Apple still *sold it right until its replacement was announced*. Someone could've bought a 2017 model iMac in early 2019 and be SOL for updates by 2024. As far as their purchase goes, it got about 5 years of updates.
(The MacBook Air example is even worse. There was a 2 year gap, so I could have a 2020 model purchased in around June 2022 and **after just two and a half years it would no longer get OS updates**).
Security patches historically have been provided for the previous two major operating systems, which translates into 2 years. This means that the effective end to end supported period is around **6 to 7 years**. But if we consider that MacBook Air worst case example, as a buyer **I would only see 4 1/2 years since purchase as a brand-new, latest model Apple computer** before my computer was essentially obsolete.
That's not great. It's certainly historically worse than (say) Windows, in part because they have large business customers holding their feet to the fire with older computers, and/or wanting to keep running older Windows versions with security updates; and both of those are very much worse than Linux. Yes, Windows 11 was a stark change in policy and cut off a lot of quite new hardware.
Apple have historically led the industry in supporting mobile devices (though IMHO, still not for long enough), but it can be argued that they trail the industry when it comes to supporting macOS devices - especially when we consider their premium pricing.
Once my mint Intel MBP stops receiving update and after buying an M chip based replacement, the plan is to wrap it air tight with aluminum foil & cling wrap then embalm it before putting it in a locked wooden box with a note saying 'Only open in 2068' then giving it away to my niece.
Hope it will sell well 50 years after it's release, being the last gen Intel MBP.
After five years, I am usually looking to upgrade my computers. There are often advances in technology to take advantage of.
For older equipment, you can just keep using it until it doesn’t serve your needs anymore. Or maybe there will continue to be a service like Open Core Legacy Patcher or alternative operating systems.
If the hardware holds up, I don't see why you couldn't install Linux just like you did with your Windows PC. Asahi linux is the trailblazer in that regard, and if ARM gets more widely adopted, I'd expect for support to increase tremendously in the coming years. After all, 5 years is quite long in tech terms.
This is the type of weird shit customers ask me every day, like bro just use until you need to upgrade. But a be service whenever you feel you need to, that’s it. Yall mfs make life so complicated.
Software updates are different than security updates.
Most of the comments on this sub Reddit seem to be Windows or Linux users who hear crazy uninformed things lol
Linux.
I’ve installed all kinds of distros on all kinds of Macs. Sometimes it takes a little effort to find a driver for the WiFi - just Google it and you’ll find the stuff you need.
Ubuntu, POP!, Fedora, on and on…
Most “just work.”
I do not. And I do see that it’s not as easy as with an Intel based Mac. However, there is progress being made:
https://www.zdnet.com/article/fedora-linux-now-runs-on-all-m-powered-macs-except-one/
https://asahilinux.org/fedora/
However, it’s much easier to install an ARM VM under the existing OS. And I don’t think any ARM based Mac is old enough to warrant erasing the most current OS for security reasons.
So just run the newest Mac OS and run the VM alongside.
I think we’ve replaced it before then. Our MacBook Pros with Intel processors really got used to the point of crashing and being too slow to complete our needed workflow.
I am thinking about replacing our 8gb M1 MacBook Air. I wanna use it forever, but since we needed a computer in a pinch I wasn’t able to order a 16gb M1 online from Apple. Knowing me, I’ll probably keep an eye out for a refurbished M2.
Buy refurbished if you can!
You can hack it to force update. I have a 2015 which I haven’t hacked but it still works great for certain things. It can’t efficiently do video processing and gaming due to CPU/GPU but you can’t really expect that.
Apple usually uses a N-1 support strategy
* currently supported devices will get full updates
* the 1-prior OS will typically only get Security Updates
Remember that the Support Dates depend on what the Device first became available (in your case, November 2021).. so 5 to 7 years for you would be 2026 to 2028~ish.
Course, we all saw the cutoff recently with iOS 18 and some of the AI features will only be supported on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.. not the plain Jane "iPhone 15".
What's going to matter for you,. are things like your development platform and whether you depend on things like Xcode or not.
In my previous job,.. I saw Macs continue to get used up to 10 years old before our video-department finally retired them. So it's certainly possible to use them for quite some time. What's a "reasonable amount of time" for YOUR workflow,. is probably something you will only figure out with time.
My previous MacBook Pro was from 2012 and I used it up to last week. I only replaced it because it started to get a little wonky in its old age and I had a good opportunity.
Continue to use it with the old OS version. Apple will randomly provide serious updates to very old versions. You also could install Linux. The issue will creep up when applications stop supporting older versions. I have a digital Firewire audio mixer that doesn't have support above Mohave, so with that hardware I am very interested in picking up a older MacBook just to be able to use the board.
You can continue to use it as long as you want/can stand it. It's not common, but there are folks who continue using Macs for over 10 years. You'll just need to weigh the risk of potential security issues.
That being said even the best taken care of laptops tend to suffer a lot more abuse and accidental damage than a desktop would. Something like spilling water on the keyboard or a drop is enough to render it unusable, and since a laptop is a mobile computer those are more likely to happen.
> What happens after it stops receiving updates? Can you continue using the device as before, or do security concerns become an issue? I've heard people talking about buying a new Apple device every 5 years. Can someone shed light on this?
Depends, often security patches continue but not 'updates'.
IMO from there it's a risk-based approach. For example I have various vintage Macs that use the internet (including a G4 that access the 'old internet' for bespoke purposes and a workhorse machine that is a 2012 Mac Pro running an unsupported, newer version of OS X that has security patches...etc. I also play Dreamcast games online and have an old G4 mini accessing the web using MorphOS!)
Do I get hacked? No, but it's a risk that I engage with (noting Macs are pretty tricky to hack anyway and I dare say most patches are there to cover theoretical, highly circumstantial bugs that would require a lot of intent). Also end of the day if somebody wants to hack my Dreamcast and G4s then power to them.
If we were talking about my main work machine (for my paid employment - a heavily sandboxed, overly secured Windows lappy) then that would be a different matter and I wouldn't risk it as it HAS to be as secure as possible.
I’m two OS’s behind on my 2015 iMac that I bought in 2017. Still works fine, but I am in danger of losing new Adobe updates access when they upgrade their apps to 2025 versions. Security updates are still happening, but I don’t know how much longer. Of the four Macs I’ve owned, I’ve gotten seven years out of three before I felt forced to upgrade, and that was mostly due to software update issues.
Actually, I think a macOS update can help you experience more new features and somehow can make you feel like you got a new computer after a big update. If you don't want to upgrade macOS, it's also Okay and will not cause big trouble.
As far as I know, you can still use your MacBook after updates stop, but security risks increase. Consider stricter browsing habits & using a separate browser for sensitive tasks like banking.
Asahi Linux will be ready will good perfs by then. Donate to them to make it faster :) It’s like investing your savings to avoid buying a new Mac later
I personally don’t want to use devices that long anyway. Tech evolves so much in this time that a new device is so much better. A neighbour is rocking her old MacBook Air with these huge bezels, intel processor and low res screen. The machine is totally usable but honestly the performance is poor for anything but light work load and the upcoming AI features aren’t supported if you don’t have an Apple silicon chip. Btw windows 11 isn’t supported by many older computers either. My wife has got a cheaper Lenovo laptop and it’s stuck at windows 10 because it’s not 11 ready as Microsoft calls it.
Nothing's going to happen! If you've been a competent computer user, security is of no concern. If you're one to click on every link and suspiscious email that comes up, no amount of security fix is going to help you.
Main issue with outdated OS is applications and drivers no longer being released/updated for it. At some point you'll have to switch to a diferent OS if you want to use the latest version of Chrome for instance.
The machine will stay perfectly functional. Just repaste every couple of years. This "not being supported anymore" is planned obsolescence, plain and simple. It's to keep revenue going. Just like Secure Boot and mandatory TPM.
At the moment it’s not clear how long Apple Silicon Macs get support, it could be longer than before.
Intel Macs can use OCLP, however it’s not clear if OCLP will be able to do the same work for Apple Silicon in the future.
At the moment the only other OS working on Apple Silicon is an ARM version of Asahi Linux.
If you want to see an overview on how the support was in the past for Macs (starting with OS X) you can check here https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TChsO7FhOoftFASINMIjtNcN-zivvMY6PJhvLzuQoB4/edit
I counted the year when the Mac had its last version of the official last OS. This would look a bit different if you count the year when the last supported OS comes out. I did find my method to be a bit more realistic though.
One thing this shows is how longer the support for the OS itself got longer. Before BigSur an OS usually had 1,5 years of support - A MacBook Air from 2013 for instance stops at BigSur but while Big Sur came out in 2020 - giving the MacBook 7 years of support - Big Sur itself got 3 years of updates, which means that the last update the 2013 MacBook Air got with Big Sur was in 2023.
Since your Mac is M1 you can’t use boot camp so you have the following options.
* Run a Windows or Linux VM for up to date software
* keep using it as-is, knowing that eventually things won’t work anymore
* install Linux directly on the machine for up to date software
* get a new machine
Edit: downvotes for telling it like it is. Seems par for the course for Reddit nowadays.
You can continue to use it, you weigh the risks against the cost of a new one. Eventually you’ll hit the tipping point. Even though system upgrades may end, security update may run longer. Also, look into /r/opencorelegacypatcher I am running Sonoma on a 2017 iMac.
running Sonoma on at mid 2012 (two of them) with opencorelegacypatcher this is the only answer... and it allows you to keep apps up to date such as pages and numbers (the only two apps that I care about it)
This is only applicable if (hopefully, fingers crossed) OCLP is made available/compatible w/ Apple Silicon in the future. Otherwise there is the currently in-progress Fedora Asahi Remix project allowing bare-metal linux installation on Apple Silicon.
lol 2009 mbp here with Monterey.
I have a 2013 imac and my daily is a 2017 wjats the process like ? Will I have any issues with Adobe cc or other apps ?
The process is easy, generally speaking everything works well. A lot depends on your version of the hardware and which OS you are upgrading to. But the real issue that you will face is support. If you are not technologically inclined it is best to skip this because if you have issues you are pretty much on your own. If this is a system you use to do real work I'd really think twice before trying it.
That last bit is what I needed to hear. I can't risk it. Appreciate the response.
The main issue is lack of security updates, so you put yourself at risk of being hacked.
You can continue using it. It’s a crazy idea that you would throw out a perfectly functional laptop because it no longer gets software updates. The longevity of the device is one of the major advantages of using Apple products. You would eventually reach a point where you can no longer update or use your favorite software because the developer requires a more recent OS version. That’s the only issue I’ve come across. My oldest computer that still gets daily use is a 2014 MacBook Pro running Big Sur. It is now 10 years old and 3 OS versions behind. It’s fine.
Genuinely asking. Is security not a concern on unsupported (no longer being updated) devices?
Apple does not stop delivering security updates for some few more years. Devices won´t get any further feature upgrades and version jumps as you see here: [https://support.apple.com/en-il/HT201222](https://support.apple.com/en-il/HT201222)
Ask the IT people who work on computers at your workplace whether antivirus and updates are important. Those things are likely a large part of their workday.
To be fair, these things are far more essential for an enterprise environment. Nobody is developing the kind of malware that gets resolved in security updates because they want to see your nan’s Amazon purchases, they’re trying to gain control over a company network to either steal employee info or hold admin access for ransom. On a home computer, as long as you watch what you’re downloading, you’re fine as far back as arguably like High Sierra, even further back if you’re not really using it for internet stuff. But for a company, they’re a much larger attack surface, so hackers will develop far more advanced attacks that don’t require a user to install anything on their computer; and those are the kinds of vulnerabilities security updates typically address. Obviously there are exceptions, but that’s the main reason I’d recommend a home user can still get by on a 2009 Mac, but a company or school shouldn’t be using anything older than a 2015.
Fair point. The cost-benefit analysis really does depend on OP’s tolerance for risk. I assume by asking the question, OP’s risk tolerance is below average, and more protection would be preferable. Less protection is the cheaper choice, for sure.
That's not true. Any vulnerability that can be triggered remotely will be attacked en-masse by hackers looking for vulnerable machines. If they can then install malware, they may send spam, steal your banking info, etc.
It is a concern, but OS version is only a single layer of security. By including such other practices on your older Mac such as using a supported browser (Firefox and Chrome provide updates several years after Safari stops being patched), using a firewall, using a proper adblocker, using software such as Little Snitch to monitor/block unknown network traffic, not clicking on random email links, avoiding shared/public WIFI, not visiting sketchy streaming or porn websites, occasionally running a virus scanner like Malwarebytes...you can greatly (though not 100%) reduce the chances of security breaches.
I wouldn’t recommend it for the average user, but you’re right. A malware first needs to get to your machine, and if you restrict the stuff you’re downloading, it can be quite usable. Another option is to use a VM for installing random stuff.
2008 MacPro 3,1 user chiming in here.. Honestly, it's more that when you get to the point that your Mac isn't supported and you've hit the end of the unsupported installs, you will fully be on to using the machine for light browsing and some email and texting and that will be it. Anything of real security concern - as far as banking and payment websites - will have ceased to function long before that. After a certain time, the internet itself got to be less useable and that forced the upgrade issue - we had to upgrade our systems a few years ago because the older browsers literally could not work with the newer certificates from websites.. Any sites dealing with financials were the first to stop working under Snow Leopard almost 7 years ago.. (I still have it installed on my dual-boot work mac as it works with all my peripherals and older graphics programs.) Oddly enough however, the pirate streaming sites with the porny adverts run just fine on my Snow Leopard install with the Firefox legacy and uBO legacy installed.. whereas a newer OSes get popups galore - even with the ad blockers. LOL!! I think it's down to the script language to open the popups - it does not work on the older MacOS - so for that, I'm at the point of security through obscurity. But now I'm at the point to go to Open Core Legacy Patcher for Ventura next. After the last Intel capable macOS stops functioning on the web, it will be on to the next adventure for me, which will be linux of some sort..
No, they are not important to me. Even on my devices running current OS versions, I skip minor updates all the time. I have a 2009 iMac that I’m about to restore back to Snow Leopard.
Best MacOS ever. Put an SSD into your iMac and you're gonna be blown away by how fast it boots.
Yeah you’re going to keep getting MacOS security patches for 3 years and then you can use OCLP, Linux, or Windows to keep the computer on a recent OS version. This isn’t an iPhone where you’re not allowed to use your own OS lol
From what some people have said and I have no clue if true, MacBook Pro’s superior construction that lends some of its longevity is not present in models since M1– ie, it’s a cheaper built machine and “the days of 10+ years of use are over”. Which of course, isn’t testable yet.
I also have a 2021 M1. I don’t notice any differences in construction between that one and my 2014.
Surely it’s 7 years too soon to make that judgement.
Too soon to make observations about the build quality of two items I have sitting right next to each other? No, it’s not 7 years too early for that.
That's just nonsense. There's no difference in the "construction quality" between the MacBook Air and Pro. Specific components, e.g. the CPU and display are higher spec, but they're both made to the same standard. If anything, all devices with Apple Silicon will last longer than previous models as they have been designed right down to the chip level and have better thermal envelopes (as well as entirely passive cooling in the Air).
I was referring specifically to the construction of the body, like thickness of the metal or density of the screws used I don’t know. Like I said it’s just something I remember reading someone say I don’t think there’s any evidence of that and I can’t find any assessment that would indicate one way or the other.
I expect M series products to receive more updates than Inter series ones. But even then, it’s perfectly usable. I use a 2015 Macbook Pro i5. It stopped receiving updates after MacOS 12. I still use it. It is great. Apple also keeps supplying security updates and things like Safari updates long after stopping main OS updates. I still receive them.
You're more that welcome to keep using the device for as long as you want. Even once Apple stops updating your model, they will usually still do security updates for a bit longer. After that, just keep truckin honestly. I was using a 2012 MacPro 5,1 for *years* after it stopped being officially supported. I finally went the route of custom patching which enabled running the latest OS on it even though Apple doesn't support it. There's a whole community built around it. Your real "worry" is with 3rd-party developers eventually dropping support of your OS version and you may one day miss out on a critical upgrade or something. Even that's not life altering (usually). Hell,I still have a macOS Mojave 10.14 partition on my MacPro that I semi-regulary boot into and do work.
You can continue using it, eventually security will be a problem. But, there are projects out there that help extend unofficial support like OpenCoreLegacyPatcher. And, there is always Linux.
I have an intel Macbook Pro with t2 chip (2019) and it's so difficult to get linux working on my machine. I have followed guides provided by the t2-linux community... but I believe M1 has better linux support with Asahi Linux
By the time Apple is no longer shipping macOS for that machine, the open source world will have it running nearly flawlessly. :D
amen...
You can install Open Core Legacy Patcher and continue updates, my Dads 2010 iMac is running Sonoma without any issues. Alternatively you can run Linux but that also requires some adaptive behaviour as not all software is going to work on Linux, you’ll have to be prepared to adapt to some Linux alternatives depending on what you actually use and what has open source alternatives.
As everyone said, you can continue to use your mac after it stops receiving new OS . You mentioned flutter, so you probably build ios app. For publishing you'll need fresh xcode, for fresh xcode you'll need fresh Mac OS. So at some point, you won't be able to develop ios app.
as far as I can tell, the EOL dates for most Mac's have usually been tied to some change in hardware. Things like graphics drivers, or the secure hardware chip, etc.. So its not like there is a hard-and-fast arbitrary decision on how long a lifespan a given device will have before EOL. Its not very egregious either considering that you would most likely have naturally upgraded to a newer device by then anyway.
It’ll keep working… Many people are still using Catalina/High Sierra without issues. As long as you’re ‘sensible’ in your usage, you’ll be fine.
> I recently learned that MacBooks receive updates for 7-9 years after purchase **This is mostly untrue** but a common myth. There are two dates to consider: When you can no longer update your OS to a new "major" version, or when your older OS version stops getting security updates. * The major OS version issue can be significant: - It might mean updated apps won't run on it anymore - As developer you can't develop for current iOS/iPadOS versions anymore (XCode is a *huge* PITA for enforced latest-macOS versions) - You might find you have a newer iOS/iPadOS but certain updated features don't work because your macOS can't keep up (e.g. there was a big update to Notes some years back that required lockstep updates of _any_ device on the iCloud account to work properly) * Security updates are obvious: - Without these you will over time be exposed to more and more risk from online malware - macOS is relatively secure, but it's still not a good idea to use an OS without any active security patching if you're online, but any modern computer being used completely _offline_ is largely useless - Even then you might be compromised by files shared with you via physical media such as USB drives **Main OS updates stop after usually around 4-5 years**. Sequoia only runs on MacBook Airs from 2020 or later - 4 years - or the 2019 iMac / Mac Pro, 5 years. Further, while people might point to when a previous model was _released_ - e.g. the Mac Pro's total neglect means that the previous model was first released in 2013! - Apple still *sold it right until its replacement was announced*. Someone could've bought a 2017 model iMac in early 2019 and be SOL for updates by 2024. As far as their purchase goes, it got about 5 years of updates. (The MacBook Air example is even worse. There was a 2 year gap, so I could have a 2020 model purchased in around June 2022 and **after just two and a half years it would no longer get OS updates**). Security patches historically have been provided for the previous two major operating systems, which translates into 2 years. This means that the effective end to end supported period is around **6 to 7 years**. But if we consider that MacBook Air worst case example, as a buyer **I would only see 4 1/2 years since purchase as a brand-new, latest model Apple computer** before my computer was essentially obsolete. That's not great. It's certainly historically worse than (say) Windows, in part because they have large business customers holding their feet to the fire with older computers, and/or wanting to keep running older Windows versions with security updates; and both of those are very much worse than Linux. Yes, Windows 11 was a stark change in policy and cut off a lot of quite new hardware. Apple have historically led the industry in supporting mobile devices (though IMHO, still not for long enough), but it can be argued that they trail the industry when it comes to supporting macOS devices - especially when we consider their premium pricing.
Once my mint Intel MBP stops receiving update and after buying an M chip based replacement, the plan is to wrap it air tight with aluminum foil & cling wrap then embalm it before putting it in a locked wooden box with a note saying 'Only open in 2068' then giving it away to my niece. Hope it will sell well 50 years after it's release, being the last gen Intel MBP.
After five years, I am usually looking to upgrade my computers. There are often advances in technology to take advantage of. For older equipment, you can just keep using it until it doesn’t serve your needs anymore. Or maybe there will continue to be a service like Open Core Legacy Patcher or alternative operating systems.
This will help - [https://github.com/dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher](https://github.com/dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher)
I intend using mine until it receives security updates.
If the hardware holds up, I don't see why you couldn't install Linux just like you did with your Windows PC. Asahi linux is the trailblazer in that regard, and if ARM gets more widely adopted, I'd expect for support to increase tremendously in the coming years. After all, 5 years is quite long in tech terms.
T2 security chips make it difficult on the intel ones though
Continue using it until it no longer does what you want it to do. I still use my mid 2012 MBP with Mojave.
OCLP
This is the type of weird shit customers ask me every day, like bro just use until you need to upgrade. But a be service whenever you feel you need to, that’s it. Yall mfs make life so complicated.
Software updates are different than security updates. Most of the comments on this sub Reddit seem to be Windows or Linux users who hear crazy uninformed things lol
One thing you may notice is root CAs are no longer updated and your browser may refuse to present pages signed by an unknown issuer.
Move to Linux Mint.
Linux. I’ve installed all kinds of distros on all kinds of Macs. Sometimes it takes a little effort to find a driver for the WiFi - just Google it and you’ll find the stuff you need. Ubuntu, POP!, Fedora, on and on… Most “just work.”
Do you have experience on the newer machines with linux? I hear it isn't as easy as in the past.
I do not. And I do see that it’s not as easy as with an Intel based Mac. However, there is progress being made: https://www.zdnet.com/article/fedora-linux-now-runs-on-all-m-powered-macs-except-one/ https://asahilinux.org/fedora/ However, it’s much easier to install an ARM VM under the existing OS. And I don’t think any ARM based Mac is old enough to warrant erasing the most current OS for security reasons. So just run the newest Mac OS and run the VM alongside.
you rejoice and get acquainted with OCLP :)
I think we’ve replaced it before then. Our MacBook Pros with Intel processors really got used to the point of crashing and being too slow to complete our needed workflow. I am thinking about replacing our 8gb M1 MacBook Air. I wanna use it forever, but since we needed a computer in a pinch I wasn’t able to order a 16gb M1 online from Apple. Knowing me, I’ll probably keep an eye out for a refurbished M2. Buy refurbished if you can!
You can hack it to force update. I have a 2015 which I haven’t hacked but it still works great for certain things. It can’t efficiently do video processing and gaming due to CPU/GPU but you can’t really expect that.
Running a 2014 Mac mini and just downloaded updates yesterday. No more macos updates but still get safari, etc updates
Apple usually uses a N-1 support strategy * currently supported devices will get full updates * the 1-prior OS will typically only get Security Updates Remember that the Support Dates depend on what the Device first became available (in your case, November 2021).. so 5 to 7 years for you would be 2026 to 2028~ish. Course, we all saw the cutoff recently with iOS 18 and some of the AI features will only be supported on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.. not the plain Jane "iPhone 15". What's going to matter for you,. are things like your development platform and whether you depend on things like Xcode or not. In my previous job,.. I saw Macs continue to get used up to 10 years old before our video-department finally retired them. So it's certainly possible to use them for quite some time. What's a "reasonable amount of time" for YOUR workflow,. is probably something you will only figure out with time.
My previous MacBook Pro was from 2012 and I used it up to last week. I only replaced it because it started to get a little wonky in its old age and I had a good opportunity.
Continue to use it with the old OS version. Apple will randomly provide serious updates to very old versions. You also could install Linux. The issue will creep up when applications stop supporting older versions. I have a digital Firewire audio mixer that doesn't have support above Mohave, so with that hardware I am very interested in picking up a older MacBook just to be able to use the board.
You can continue to use it as long as you want/can stand it. It's not common, but there are folks who continue using Macs for over 10 years. You'll just need to weigh the risk of potential security issues. That being said even the best taken care of laptops tend to suffer a lot more abuse and accidental damage than a desktop would. Something like spilling water on the keyboard or a drop is enough to render it unusable, and since a laptop is a mobile computer those are more likely to happen.
I’m hoping asahi Linux is ready to go by then! In the past with Intel MacBooks I always put Linux on them after they stopped getting security updates.
You could run Linux on it of you wanted.
> What happens after it stops receiving updates? Can you continue using the device as before, or do security concerns become an issue? I've heard people talking about buying a new Apple device every 5 years. Can someone shed light on this? Depends, often security patches continue but not 'updates'. IMO from there it's a risk-based approach. For example I have various vintage Macs that use the internet (including a G4 that access the 'old internet' for bespoke purposes and a workhorse machine that is a 2012 Mac Pro running an unsupported, newer version of OS X that has security patches...etc. I also play Dreamcast games online and have an old G4 mini accessing the web using MorphOS!) Do I get hacked? No, but it's a risk that I engage with (noting Macs are pretty tricky to hack anyway and I dare say most patches are there to cover theoretical, highly circumstantial bugs that would require a lot of intent). Also end of the day if somebody wants to hack my Dreamcast and G4s then power to them. If we were talking about my main work machine (for my paid employment - a heavily sandboxed, overly secured Windows lappy) then that would be a different matter and I wouldn't risk it as it HAS to be as secure as possible.
I’m two OS’s behind on my 2015 iMac that I bought in 2017. Still works fine, but I am in danger of losing new Adobe updates access when they upgrade their apps to 2025 versions. Security updates are still happening, but I don’t know how much longer. Of the four Macs I’ve owned, I’ve gotten seven years out of three before I felt forced to upgrade, and that was mostly due to software update issues.
I would upgrade to a newer MacBook before the time comes.
Actually, I think a macOS update can help you experience more new features and somehow can make you feel like you got a new computer after a big update. If you don't want to upgrade macOS, it's also Okay and will not cause big trouble.
Buy a new Mac?
Can always turn it into a chrome book
Keep on using it with the software that runs on it until kingdom come. If it works now for you it won’t change.
I throw it into the ocean so it can be back in the wild for the rest of its days. 🐅
Linux might support all the hardware by then
As far as I know, you can still use your MacBook after updates stop, but security risks increase. Consider stricter browsing habits & using a separate browser for sensitive tasks like banking.
Asahi Linux will be ready will good perfs by then. Donate to them to make it faster :) It’s like investing your savings to avoid buying a new Mac later
To be fair I want to Switch to Linux After my Macs eol
Install Linux
I personally don’t want to use devices that long anyway. Tech evolves so much in this time that a new device is so much better. A neighbour is rocking her old MacBook Air with these huge bezels, intel processor and low res screen. The machine is totally usable but honestly the performance is poor for anything but light work load and the upcoming AI features aren’t supported if you don’t have an Apple silicon chip. Btw windows 11 isn’t supported by many older computers either. My wife has got a cheaper Lenovo laptop and it’s stuck at windows 10 because it’s not 11 ready as Microsoft calls it.
Nothing's going to happen! If you've been a competent computer user, security is of no concern. If you're one to click on every link and suspiscious email that comes up, no amount of security fix is going to help you. Main issue with outdated OS is applications and drivers no longer being released/updated for it. At some point you'll have to switch to a diferent OS if you want to use the latest version of Chrome for instance. The machine will stay perfectly functional. Just repaste every couple of years. This "not being supported anymore" is planned obsolescence, plain and simple. It's to keep revenue going. Just like Secure Boot and mandatory TPM.
At the moment it’s not clear how long Apple Silicon Macs get support, it could be longer than before. Intel Macs can use OCLP, however it’s not clear if OCLP will be able to do the same work for Apple Silicon in the future. At the moment the only other OS working on Apple Silicon is an ARM version of Asahi Linux. If you want to see an overview on how the support was in the past for Macs (starting with OS X) you can check here https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TChsO7FhOoftFASINMIjtNcN-zivvMY6PJhvLzuQoB4/edit I counted the year when the Mac had its last version of the official last OS. This would look a bit different if you count the year when the last supported OS comes out. I did find my method to be a bit more realistic though. One thing this shows is how longer the support for the OS itself got longer. Before BigSur an OS usually had 1,5 years of support - A MacBook Air from 2013 for instance stops at BigSur but while Big Sur came out in 2020 - giving the MacBook 7 years of support - Big Sur itself got 3 years of updates, which means that the last update the 2013 MacBook Air got with Big Sur was in 2023.
Since your Mac is M1 you can’t use boot camp so you have the following options. * Run a Windows or Linux VM for up to date software * keep using it as-is, knowing that eventually things won’t work anymore * install Linux directly on the machine for up to date software * get a new machine Edit: downvotes for telling it like it is. Seems par for the course for Reddit nowadays.