Back atWWDC 2020 , Apple herald that it was become to make its own Mac mainframe , and the first question that popped up in everyone ’s pass was , “ When will they be released ? ” However , to many users , the second question that popped up was more important : “ How much longer will Apple support the Intel Mac I ’m using right now ? ”
Apple will soon start its third generationof its M - series chips for the Mac , so users are start to expect that second question more frequently . Over at Ars Technica , Andrew Cunningham has done extensive enquiry to figure out whenApple may overlook financial backing for Intel Macs , and it may be sooner than you think .
part with the original iMac that was released in 1998 , Cunninghamtrackedwhen each Mac model was turn , when it was discontinued , how long those Macs go forward to be support by macOS , and how long Apple continued to issue security department updates . With the data collected , Cunningham aim how long Apple offer macOS supporting , which can give an idea of when Apple may stop affirm Intel Macs .
Apple still sells an M1 MacBook Air, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that Apple will extend its support cycle.
Based on the data , a Mac receives about 6.6 year on average of macOS updates with new features and another two years of certificate - only updates . However , that norm has shortened in recent history ; it used to be more than 7 eld . So if you buy one of the last Intel - based MacBook Pros in 2020 , it may hold on get macOS update in three years , and security updates in five year .
And Apple may be quicken that timeline now that the Apple silicon transition is complete . With macOS Sonoma , Apple ’s compatibility list cuts off at the 2018 MacBook Pro , MacBook Air , and Mac mini , Intel - base machines that are only five years old . With macOS next class , Apple will in all probability bump that cutoff list up at least a twelvemonth , have in mind some Intel Macs sold right before the Apple silicon transition began might suffer support . So , if you have an Intel Mac , either its time has already play out or is scat out . See : How long do MacBooks last .
Cunningham points out that Apple is extremely motivated to move beyond Intel processor are before long as possible , not just so it can sell more Macs . Maintaining Intel code in macOS takes a lot of workplace and those are resourcefulness Apple prefers to apportion elsewhere . Eliminating Intel codification from macOS piddle the software program more efficient . But also , the Intel flake that are in use are also strain Intel ’s own “ End of Servicing Lifetime ” and Intel itself will no longer provide keep and update .
Apple still sells an M1 MacBook Air, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that Apple will extend its support cycle.
Keep in mind that when Apple ends financial support for a Mac , it does n’t mean you ca n’t utilize that Mac anymore . What it mean is that Mac wo n’t be able-bodied to set up the latest variation of macOS , so you wo n’t be able-bodied to get the new features . Apple will also blockade issuing security update , so your Mac may be vulnerable to future feat . If you bring in this former Mac to an Apple Store , you may not be able to get assistance .
Apple still sells an M1 MacBook Air , but that does n’t necessarily mean that Apple will extend its funding cycle .
Foundry
Support for M-series Macs
Cunningham ’s write up addresses an interesting doubtfulness : How long will Apple support its M - series Macs ? On average , Macs get updates for about 5.5 years after Apple stops selling them , so with the M1 MacBook Pro and Mac mini , it look like Apple could support it until 2027 .
Cunningham betoken out that we ’re not really pop off to know what Apple will do until 2026 or 2027 since the company has not made any formal announcements regarding macOS supporting and its M - serial chips . Cunningham ’s datum record that even though Apple may sell a model for farseeing than common , it does n’t inevitably get software package update for farsighted . Apple still sell the M1 in the $ 999 13 - inch MacBook Air and if you moot Apple ’s support pattern , this laptop computer finish up being a bad deal than its price , execution , and features bespeak .
It ’s potential , though , that Apple could extend the menses of macOS documentation for its M - serial chips . It all depends on what applied science are implemented in the chips , and how much succeeding version of macOS are pendent on that tech .
enquire what central processor , memory , and other specifications are on your Mac ? We have aguide on how to check the specs of your Mac .
