MacBooks are not cheap at all, so users want to make them worth every penny until they die. Keeping all controversy aside, MacBooks are quite sturdy, high-quality, and finest performance innovations from Apple. You might be thinking in mind before you invest in an Apple notebook: How long does a MacBook last?
Well, it depends on a lot of factors. A brand-new MacBook will outperform a second-hand one. Additionally, you need to look at the MacBook model, build, year, processor, and other technologies to determine how long it will survive. However, the truth is that your MacBook will die someday, and you will have to look for a replacement.
Still, you can tell whether your MacBook is beyond the repair scope. This guide will help you understand the average lifespan of a MacBook, dying symptoms, and when to replace it. Let’s get started.
How Long Should a MacBook Pro Serve You?
Reportedly, a well-cared MacBook Pro can last more than 7 years. However, this estimate depends on how the user treats the Mac device. How long does a MacBook last? It will depend on what tasks are executed on the Mac computer. On average, a MacBook can last anywhere between 6 and 7 years.
Since MacBook Pro models are loaded with more processing power and other facilities, they are expected to survive and serve longer. However, MacBook Pro models’ lifespan can vary according to the light and heavy uses. What types of activities can you classify as light or heavy?
Let’s find out:
Light usage refers to computation tasks that require fewer processor resources. For example, you can mark the following tasks as lightweight use:
- Editing documents
- Working with spreadsheets
- Browsing the internet
- Editing websites
- Streaming videos
As long as you keep your daily activities to such light tasks on your MacBook Pro, your device can last 7 years or more than that. After that, your MacBook Pro might stop getting the latest software updates, making it vulnerable to different threats. In addition, your MacBook Pro might become incompatible with numerous apps and technologies.
What can be a MacBook Pro’s Lifespan with Heavy Use?
If you are thinking about ‘how long does a MacBook last with processor-consuming tasks, then here’s the answer. First, let’s see what tasks qualify as heavy ones:
- Editing enormous spreadsheets
- Playing AAA or high-resolution games
- Editing videos
- Building animations
If you are a professional or a gaming enthusiast,, your MacBook Pro may last 5 to 6 years. After 6 years, numerous MacBook Pro users have confirmed that their devices started deteriorating in performance. Additionally, they must charge their MacBook Pros’ batteries more frequently than ever.
However, you can optimise your MacBook Pro use and extend its lifespan with a few healthy habits.
What about the Lifespan of a MacBook Air?
MacBook Air models are preferable when users look for lightweight and less powerful machines from Apple. According to experts and experienced users, an Apple MacBook Air can last 5 to 7 years. You can add more years to your MacBook Air with adequate use and care.
If you use your MacBook Air to browse the web, check emails, stream videos, etc., it should last up to 7 years. However, you can see a drop in the performance of the MacBook Air model over time. Considering high-end and resource-consuming tasks, you can expect a maximum lifespan of anywhere from 5 to 7 years with a MacBook Air.
4 Easy Ways to Extend Your MacBook’s Life
How long does a MacBook last? You have already seen an estimate, and that’s impressive, even with heavy usage. However, you can take some preventive measures to optimise your MacBook’s condition regardless of its model and build. Here are a few tried and tested tips to keep your MacBook performance uncompromised:
Update Your macOS
Protecting your MacBook from malware isn’t a big issue if you update the operating system. Regular software updates can keep your MacBook free from software issues and bugs.
Bugs can interrupt the general processing and computing power of your MacBook. That’s why keep updating your MacBook’s software as long as possible.
Handle Your MacBook with Care
MacBooks are known for their premium builds and designs but can’t survive everything. Accidents are unpredictable. Therefore, you have to keep your MacBook ready to keep it away from the unwanted hustle.
You should use protective cases while carrying your Mac notebook here and there. A sudden drop might damage your MacBook severely. Or, a splash of water or any liquid can ruin the internal circuitry of your MacBook. So, carry your MacBook with care and protective cases if required.
Monitor the Battery Usage
How long does a MacBook last on battery? Generally, they come with high-quality batteries that can last you an entire day. However, you should be conscious about battery usage; thus, you can extend the battery life and your Mac’s lifespan.
For example, adjust the screen resolution, brightness, keyboard backlight settings, battery saver, and additional options to keep the cycle count low.
Keep the MacBook Clean
Accumulated dirt, debris, and grime can clog vents and ports on your MacBook. As a consequence, it might impact your MacBook’s heat management negatively. Try to clean your MacBook with microfibre clothes, compress air cans, and other recommended cleaning supplies.
Reasons Why Most Users Replace Their MacBooks
Users tend to replace obsolete MacBooks that will never receive security updates. For example, Apple considers all pre-Intel Macs, 2012 and older MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models obsolete. On the other hand, users replace their Macs to keep their gadgets up-to-date.
Others consider the following factors to replace their MacBooks:
Software Updates
It’s easy to keep your MacBook efficient and free from errors, vulnerabilities, and more with the latest macOS security updates from Apple, i. However, this isn’t the scenario with every MacBook. Older MacBooks don’t get regular updates from Apple.
If you worry about not getting updates to your older MacBook, you can get a replacement. However, many Mac users have reported that they continue using their 5 t 6-year-old MacBooks even though they have stopped receiving updates. And, those MacBooks are completely fine.
So, it’s up to you and your Mac’s condition to decide on a replacement if the software updates are your prime concern.
Storage & RAM
How long does a MacBook last if the performance has become quite sluggish? You should check its storage and RAM. If your older Macbook offers hardware upgrades, then consult it with experts to get the best solution. However, comparatively newer Macs don’t offer RAM or storage upgrades.
You can consider upgrading to one of the latest Macs if you can’t handle the low-performance metrics of your MacBook. Get your MacBook checked by a professional before you decide to dump it.
Battery Life
MacBooks provide stunning battery life but will eventually display wear and tear signs. Most Mac batteries can serve up to 4 hours of straight use before they are eligible for a replacement.
On the other hand, you can adopt healthy habits and care tips to improve your battery life. Instead of replacing the entire MacBook, you can only replace its battery if the performance is still satisfactory.
When Should You Replace Your MacBook?
Undoubtedly, Apple’s hardware can survive a lot, but you have to say goodbye to your MacBook at some point. How long does a MacBook Pro last? Or, if it’s a MacBook Air, the average lifespan of any MacBook is more or less 6 to 7 years. What are the signs that your MacBook requires a replacement?
Here are a few instances that might tell you that you need a replacement for your existing Mac:
Major Hardware Damage
Has your McBook survived severe physical damage alongside its old age? A cracked display, internal hardware damage, etc., can force you to get it fixed or replaced. If its repair costs are almost similar to a replacement, you might opt for a brand-new MacBook with powerful features.
Software Problems
You might encounter frequent freezing, overheating, and other glitches on your MacBook. As a consequence, you might want to dodge your old MacBook if you are fed up with random shutdowns and visual issues.
You can try resetting the PRAM and SMC according to your MacBook model and check if it works. Otherwise, consult the issue with a MacBook repair expert to learn your next move.
Apart from these, you might need a Mac replacement due to the following reasons:
- Incompatibility with the latest macOS updates
- Dead battery
- Lack of enough storage or RAM
Call Macbook Repair India for Immediate Help!
How long does a MacBook last? Hopefully, this guide will help you to get an idea regarding it. However, you can consider Macbook Repair India and its amazing services to revive your Mac computers.
Hire their technicians to get a detailed review of your Mac performance and how long it should last. Additionally, they can help you with worthy care tips for maintaining your MacBook.