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How old is too old?
- Thread starter loophole52
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I am no expert, but I'd think that perhaps your software needs an early spring cleaning.
Have a tried a "Safe" boot? How about using a good housecleaning application like Onyx?
If you want to stick with Monterey - and there's lots of arguments each way - perhaps a complete back-up of your apps and data and a "clean" install of Monterey would be just the thing if the two above don't help.
All this might be an hour of your time, about the same as if you choose to migrate that existing data and all to a new Mac.
Anonymous Freak
macrumors 603
I would argue that any OS that is no longer receiving security updates is too old. Which at this point means anything older than macOS 14 Sonoma, as it's the oldest Mac OS still receiving security updates.
On the hardware side, there basically is no such thing as "too old" when running Linux. I have a 2008 MacBook as my "hacking rig" running the current version of Kali Linux. (Yes, I work in security research.)
On the hardware side, there basically is no such thing as "too old" when running Linux. I have a 2008 MacBook as my "hacking rig" running the current version of Kali Linux. (Yes, I work in security research.)
Make sure to back up your data before making any system changes.
I'd run the cleanup functions in OnyX to see if they make a difference in your issues: https://www.titanium-software.fr/download/12/OnyX.dmg
I installed macOS 15 Sequoia on an external SSD with OpenCore Legacy Patcher and boot to that from my 2015 MacBook Pro.
Almost everything works on it seamlessly except a few Microsoft 365 apps (Outlook and OneNote - trouble connecting with Microsoft servers) and Swift Playground.
The main thing to fix on your 2015 MacBook Pro is the battery. See if you have a local vendor with experience swapping the battery and you'll be able to keep using it for years to come.
And ditto regarding peoples' suggestions above - OnyX 4.2.7 or AppCleaner 3.6.8 are good for keeping your system clean. You might be overdue for a reinstall of Monterey if the system hasn't been maintained for a long time
Also look at the NVRAM (non-volatile RAM) and the SMC (system management controller) resets to fix any hardware and startup irregularities - they are harmless and commonly recommended.
Reset NVRAM: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102539
Reset SMC: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102605
Apple tips for retiring a Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102773
I'd run the cleanup functions in OnyX to see if they make a difference in your issues: https://www.titanium-software.fr/download/12/OnyX.dmg
I installed macOS 15 Sequoia on an external SSD with OpenCore Legacy Patcher and boot to that from my 2015 MacBook Pro.
Almost everything works on it seamlessly except a few Microsoft 365 apps (Outlook and OneNote - trouble connecting with Microsoft servers) and Swift Playground.
The main thing to fix on your 2015 MacBook Pro is the battery. See if you have a local vendor with experience swapping the battery and you'll be able to keep using it for years to come.
And ditto regarding peoples' suggestions above - OnyX 4.2.7 or AppCleaner 3.6.8 are good for keeping your system clean. You might be overdue for a reinstall of Monterey if the system hasn't been maintained for a long time
Also look at the NVRAM (non-volatile RAM) and the SMC (system management controller) resets to fix any hardware and startup irregularities - they are harmless and commonly recommended.
Reset NVRAM: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102539
Reset SMC: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102605
Apple tips for retiring a Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102773
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This usually doesn't happen due to age. There's probably something else that changed. Did you accidentally change the zoom level?
Are you using Safari? If so, yes... Safari could be too old, as it is no longer receiving updates. Facebook recommends using the most up-to-date version (link). You could try some other modern browser like Chrome, Edge, or Brave that still receives updates.
Agreed. I would at least stop using Safari and switch to some other web browser to stay on top of browser security.
I'm actually still running Big Sur on my 2015 MacBook Pro, but I stopped running Safari a long time ago. I'm now primarily using Firefox.
Though I am looking to finally upgrade to an M-series when the M5 MBAs come out in a month and a half or so.
Though I am looking to finally upgrade to an M-series when the M5 MBAs come out in a month and a half or so.
I agree with this. However it's measured, I see a 10 year run as a good run. I doubt I'll get 10 years out of my m1 imac, but I bought it right after they discontinued it and I bought a base model contemplating something more like 5 years.
MBAir2010
macrumors G3
my MacBook Air 2020 safari Version 17.6 is better since my upgrade last week.
I don't Facebook or other social media expect here.
although Vivaldi is much better at web pages function than Safari.
I don't Facebook or other social media expect here.
although Vivaldi is much better at web pages function than Safari.
Amazing Iceman
macrumors 603
I would say it becomes “too old” when you are unable to run apps you need to run on it.
sotosoul
macrumors member
I'm also still using a MBP late 2013, which is stuck with Big Sur.
Personally, I'd advise you to be very careful with those OCLP hacks. In my experience, they work well enough until something goes wrong, such as broken graphics acceleration. Not catastrophic, but practically unusable until you fix it by reinstalling the kexts via the OCLP app. Also, performance-wise, the machine becomes slower to the point that some demanding applications that worked fine on the official OS do not do so on the newer OS.
As other people wrote, Safari is outdated but other browsers, such as Firefox, is still up-to-date.
Personally, I'd advise you to be very careful with those OCLP hacks. In my experience, they work well enough until something goes wrong, such as broken graphics acceleration. Not catastrophic, but practically unusable until you fix it by reinstalling the kexts via the OCLP app. Also, performance-wise, the machine becomes slower to the point that some demanding applications that worked fine on the official OS do not do so on the newer OS.
As other people wrote, Safari is outdated but other browsers, such as Firefox, is still up-to-date.
My 2008 Mac Pro started having multiple organ failures in 2019 and then I bought an iMac.
I’d say about 10 years is a good lifespan.
adrianlondon
macrumors 604
Lots of advice above basically saying that a 2015 MBP should be fine for what you're using it for.
As also mentioned (such as by @BigBlur ) some of the issues you list are configuration ones, not related to performance.
If it were my laptop I'd do the following:
1. Reset SMC and NVRAM (see @MacMorrison 's post)
2. Boot into Safe mode and then reboot back to "normal"
3. Try a different browser such as Firefox if clearing ALL cookies and data from Safari doesn't help
4. Check your disk isn't close to full; that can really drag down performance
5. Ask a good friend with MacOS experience to check your system (e.g. using "top -o cpu") to work out what's going on.
Well, to be fair, if it were my laptop I would have replaced it anyway as I like to run the latest OS 😁. I currently have the M4 MBP and my old late-2013 MBP now runs very well with Ubuntu on it.
As also mentioned (such as by @BigBlur ) some of the issues you list are configuration ones, not related to performance.
If it were my laptop I'd do the following:
1. Reset SMC and NVRAM (see @MacMorrison 's post)
2. Boot into Safe mode and then reboot back to "normal"
3. Try a different browser such as Firefox if clearing ALL cookies and data from Safari doesn't help
4. Check your disk isn't close to full; that can really drag down performance
5. Ask a good friend with MacOS experience to check your system (e.g. using "top -o cpu") to work out what's going on.
Well, to be fair, if it were my laptop I would have replaced it anyway as I like to run the latest OS 😁. I currently have the M4 MBP and my old late-2013 MBP now runs very well with Ubuntu on it.
sotosoul
macrumors member
...or when support is dropped and/or when security assessments indicate that a particular system's vulnerabilities are too significant.
In many professional settings, hardware is fine (because demanding ops run on remote servers), software is fine, but the supplier SLA was set at 3 years so they'd rather replace the employee's workstation that risk downtime until mama company fixes it.
Right now I'm swimming in decomissioned but perfectly good laptops with Comet, Coffee, and Ice lake CPUs, 8-32 GB RAM and good to good-ish batteries. We'll gift them to employees for personal use.
So @maflynn has a point, I guess. Too old for business, not old in general.
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
No, not really
There's no reason to get rid of a computer simply because no more updates. For the same reasons mac users don't use anti-virus, as you long as you practice safe computer habits you can keep using older macs to your hearts content.
boppin
Suspended
Hi there,
I would say when you can't run current software like Google Chrome, MS Office, macOS etc.
Except when you have old Software which runs only in old hardware. The last white MacBook I own still runs Mac OS X 10.6 and Windows XP Professional but not connected to the Internet. Because I still want to run older Windows games.
I would say when you can't run current software like Google Chrome, MS Office, macOS etc.
Except when you have old Software which runs only in old hardware. The last white MacBook I own still runs Mac OS X 10.6 and Windows XP Professional but not connected to the Internet. Because I still want to run older Windows games.
How old is too old?
Intel is too old for leading-edge users and AI features, but is still good enough for home office.
Sonoma is now too old for a new-purchase since you need one of the two newest versions of MacOS to install Pages/Numbers/etc for the first time as a new user on a new-to-you machine.
Ventura is now too old for security updates, cloud software, and some name-brand 2026 edition programs but otherwise works fine.
Big Sur is now too old for the average 3rd party web browser, but if you like Firefox you are still good to go.
Mojave... is probably just too old for anyone not intentionally using old 32-bit software.
13" or 15"? I am of the opinion that Monterey was the point where dual-core laptops became too slow. It is probably worth getting a newer Mac just for performance. Otherwise post #5 already said it best.
Intel is too old for leading-edge users and AI features, but is still good enough for home office.
Sonoma is now too old for a new-purchase since you need one of the two newest versions of MacOS to install Pages/Numbers/etc for the first time as a new user on a new-to-you machine.
Ventura is now too old for security updates, cloud software, and some name-brand 2026 edition programs but otherwise works fine.
Big Sur is now too old for the average 3rd party web browser, but if you like Firefox you are still good to go.
Mojave... is probably just too old for anyone not intentionally using old 32-bit software.
13" or 15"? I am of the opinion that Monterey was the point where dual-core laptops became too slow. It is probably worth getting a newer Mac just for performance. Otherwise post #5 already said it best.
sotosoul
macrumors member
Get me right -- I'm not saying there's no value in them, all I'm saying is that those computers are no longer good for a particular application and I'm thinking business application. Being able to run a software application up to spec is simply not enough these days. If there's a risk that has been calculated as significant (there are people who do that professionally) and the business is risking GDPR violations costing them thousands of euros in fines, no thanks.
It feels like a legal dimension of planned obsolesence to its extreme. I am really really not happy about it but it is what it is.
I grew up with limited financial means and buying a computer was difficult for me back then. It's sad to see perfectly working devices in the junk.
Also, we can't really characterize a device as "too old" without giving a context. The expression should always be "too old for XYZ". Heck, I'm still using a Sharp Zaurus 5000 from 1999 for diary and stuff. Fun, direct, distraction-free environment, as long as I remember to back things up 😅
OLD... when a site tells me, "you must update your browser" then the updated browser says "must update to OSX Vx."
Basic75
macrumors 68030
5. Wipe the system and do a clean install, that can have quite a large impact after 10 years.
danielristic
macrumors member
Writing this from a 2015 MPB running Sequoia 15.7 (OCLP is your friend): hopefully this model has a few more years of life left (at least if you went with the higher end CPU and at least 16GB of RAM)!
Also it's one of the last ones where not every single component is soldered to the motherboard so in terms of repairability it's better than most of the newer ones.
Also it's one of the last ones where not every single component is soldered to the motherboard so in terms of repairability it's better than most of the newer ones.
In my opinion, once your device can't run the latest OS, it's best to change it, especially if it has become obsolete by Apple standards. It's not just a matter of benefitting from modern hardware and software, but also ensuring that your device stays well-protected against security threats.
danielristic
macrumors member
Well that’s the thing: the OCLP project allows you to install the latest OS on supposedly unsupported hardware (which works surprisingly fine for the most part).
Also Apple & others are massively overplaying the security risks of using older software for obvious reasons.
Unfortunately, OCLP is nearing the end of the road and will soon be dead. It only works with Intel Macs without the T2 chip and doesn't work with Apple Silicon. Apple has said Tahoe will be the last OS for Intel, so it'll be the last OS OCLP can work with. They are still in the process of getting Tahoe working/patched.
Once on Apple Silicon hardware, there will likely be no way to run newer OSes on older unsupported hardware for multiple technical reasons.