The Apple series of laptops are among the most demanding laptops in use today. You might have doubts before deciding to buy a MacBook Air. How long is this thing going to last? Briefly stated, the average user can expect their MacBook Air to last between 6 and 8 years. You can learn more about the MacBook Air’s lifespan in this article. Please keep reading.
How Long Does The MacBook Air Last
A MacBook Air typically lasts 6-7 years before it is no longer updated. To keep up with the newest software and technology, you might need to upgrade your MacBook Air. The way a MacBook is used is another criterion for assessing its life. The lifespan of your MacBook Air may be shortened if you abuse it, overcharging it, and use it for intensive graphics-intensive tasks.
After four years, your MacBook will start to slow down a little bit, but it will still work for a few more years. The battery backup will also decrease, giving you a little less battery life. You won’t be able to download or install updates to your software after seven years.
- Light use: The MacBook can last longer than 7 years if it is only used for browsing and typing-related tasks rather than using demanding software.
- Heavy use: Your MacBook’s lifespan will be shortened to no more than five years if you frequently edit videos and photos on it or play intensive video games on it. A MacBook Pro may be the best choice for using these apps.
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Factors Affecting Lifespan
Battery
Before it begins to noticeably degrade, the battery in a MacBook Air 2010 and later is intended to retain 80% of its charge for up to 1,000 cycles. A heavy Air user may reach 1,000 cycles in two or three years, whereas a light user may take seven or more years to do so.
The battery has gone through its full cycle of being discharged and then recharged. But don’t be fooled by this definition. A cycle does not have to be completed in one sitting.
Not Upgradeable
The MacBook Air’s portable and lightweight design is one of its selling points. Apple has played fast and loose with the notebook’s internal design in order to achieve this.
A solder is used to affix the RAM and SSD. The MacBook Air cannot be upgraded because this prevents the removal of the RAM or SSD.
However, Apple does give you the option to upgrade the RAM and SSD from the base model in tiers all the way up to the highest RAM and SSD that are offered when choosing your MacBook Air. The cost of doing this is obviously very high.
However, it might be worth the extra initial output if you intend to use the MacBook Air for many years to come or if you anticipate using it frequently.
Outdated Operating System
Operating systems, or OSes, are continuously improved and updated by businesses like Apple as technology advances. All of a computer’s resources, including its hardware, software, and applications, are managed by the operating system.
The operating system is the brain of a computer. The older versions of operating systems are no longer supported as newer versions are released.
When an OS is no longer supported, the developer—in this case, Apple—will no longer provide security updates or bug fixes. The system’s vulnerabilities as well as unsupported software and services may result from this lack of support.
Monterey 12, Big Sur 11, and Catalina 10.15 are the three most recent operating system versions that Apple currently supports.
Lack Of Synchronicity
The wide range of products available under the Apple brand, including desktops, laptops, smartwatches, and phones, is one of their many wonderful qualities.
All of these products are made to allow for device synchronization, enabling the user to have access to all of their data, apps, calendars, contacts, and more on whichever device they are using at the time.
An annoying lack of synchronization between components can occur as a MacBook Air gets older and may no longer be compatible with newer Apple devices.
Slowed Applications
Applications advance at an alarming rate, just like all other types of technology. Some applications, programs, or games may require a significant amount of computing power to run.
A MacBook Air that is more than a few years old may not have enough RAM or memory to meet the demanding needs of more modern software.
Technically, the MacBook might be able to run the program, just not that well. This could cause lag or slowed applications and programs.
Cost Of Repair
An older MacBook Air might need more maintenance than you want to deal with, just like an older car will need more upkeep than a new one. As a result of the way Apple has crafted its products, the cost of repair on an Apple device can be high.
Apple products may not be cross-compatible with parts from other manufacturers because they are built to operate most effectively with Apple parts.
A certified Apple technician must be used when working on an Apple product in order to maintain any kind of warranty. These technicians are typically found at the Genius Bar in Apple stores.
For the MacBook Air, Apple does provide AppleCare Plus, which helps cover the cost of repairs. The newest MacBook Air M1 costs $199 with AppleCare Plus, which extends the initial 90-day warranty to three years.
Additionally, it permits two damage replacements each year with a co-pay of $99 for screen damage and $299 for other types of damage. The MacBook Air is no longer covered after three years, even if you purchase this extra insurance for it.
How To Make Your MacBook Air Last A Long Time
- By installing the latest updates
- The abilities and the available features
- If used and handled with care
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures of the battery
- Back up on a Regular Basis
- Clean Install the macOS
When To Change Your MacBook Air
- The most recent software version on which Apple runs is no longer supported, potentially leaving your device open to security risks.
- The apps you need to use no longer work.
- If you are unable to replace the RAM or other components, the Mac finds it difficult to perform the tasks you ask of it.
- When something breaks, it’s either too expensive to fix or the parts aren’t available.
- The Mac is having technical issues. Unexpected shutdowns are becoming more frequent, and despite trying everything to fix the issue, you have had no luck.
Conclusions
What follows is an answer to the question, “How long does a MacBook Air last?” we’d recommend five to eight years as a ballpark figure based on assessing the previous lifespans However, bear in mind that you won’t be able to replace any faulty parts if it has been more than five years since Apple last sold a MacBook Air.
In order to lengthen the lifespan of the MacBook Air laptop, proper maintenance and care are essential. Any MacBook that is maintained properly can last for many years or even decades.