Longevity of Macbook Air M1?

[Lounge vibes 05]

Dude, with all due respect, you really need to read posts before commenting. Please see above for context.

Ignore them.
Apple literally just released a security update for the, and yes I am serious when I say this, 2014 iPad Air 2… two months ago.
The 2020 M1 MacBook Air is more than fine andwill continue to work absolutely flawlessly for the next several years, likely receiving the latest software updates until about the end of this decade and security updates well into the 2030s.
If anything, the hardware is a lot more likely to fail way before the computer stops receiving any security updates.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Ignore them.
Apple literally just released a security update for the, and yes I am serious when I say this, 2014 iPad Air 2… two months ago.
The 2020 M1 MacBook Air is more than fine andwill continue to work absolutely flawlessly for the next several years, likely receiving the latest software updates until about the end of this decade and security updates well into the 2030s.
If anything, the hardware is a lot more likely to fail way before the computer stops receiving any security updates.

Agreed. Lots of folks here worry about Apple ending support of various Macs, which in my experience of all Macs has almost never been an issue IIRC. RAM limitations (a decision made by the buyer now) or mass storage limitations or hardware failure or just old/slow are instead usually what ends a Mac.

 

[DoubleDragon1987]

Usually, there are about 7 years of OS updates and about 2-3 years of security updates after that- from when it was made.
After 7 years, most Apple products become 'vintage' meaning they stop making parts for them. There may well be parts available somewhere for a long time and they may still work for a long time, but at about 7 years you won't be able to take them into Apple to get them repaired.
So overall, around the 7 year mark is where things change.
But note, we still have a 2016 Macbook that's used everyday and works extremely well.

wrong

5 years = vintage
7 years = obsolete

an obsolete device can no longer be repaired or serviced and apple will not sell spare parts to authorized service providers.

 

[Happy_John]

wrong

5 years = vintage
7 years = obsolete

an obsolete device can no longer be repaired or serviced and apple will not sell spare parts to authorized service providers.

An obsolete device can no longer be repaired or serviced by Apple. Service and repair it yourself, or find a repair shop to do it for you. There are many.

Apple will not sell spare parts to authorized service providers. Source spare parts yourself, either genuine parts salvaged from other machines or good quality spare parts from third party providers. Shop around and spend time reading up on which third party providers do provide good quality parts.

 

[scouser75]

I still love my Mac Pro 5,1. I just think it was brilliantly designed and built. The only reason I don't use it today as my main server is the power consumption.

Oh yeah! The super power drain. The way energy prices are here in the UK, I'd need to get a second job to run the thing! But I will get it fixed just to be able to use it every so often.

That would be very nice, fun and exciting being that young and opening a new MacBook air just for her!
just the packing, green tabs, that protective casing then
CHIMMME!
then the MBA launches, language then asks to log in...... just for that special person!

Alas, it's not new, hence the price. But it is in mint condition. But she'll still be happy to power it up and I'm going to get her to set it up herself and I'll.just guide her through it. I will of course be using it myself too 😉

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

wrong

5 years = vintage
7 years = obsolete

an obsolete device can no longer be repaired or serviced and apple will not sell spare parts to authorized service providers.

And this is five years and seven years from discontinuation, not from introduction.
And also, this is just regarding hardware support, not software support. The two things are very, very different and usually don’t align.
The 2007 iMac was declared vintage in 2013 and obsolete in 2015.
It continued receiving the latest software updates until 2016, and security updates until 2019

 

[scouser75]

It arrived early 😁 And my little one, although trying her darndest to not show it, was super excited. I did tease her a little by saying there was no need to set it up today and she rather quietly said that was fine. But then I told her I was joking and made her set it up herself.

Although used, you'd never know it. Not a scratch or cuff on it had been in a Spigen Uktrafit skin.

Thank you again guys for all your help and advice on the purchase. Really appreciate it ❤️

 

[darkblu]

It arrived early 😁 And my little one, although trying her darndest to not show it, was super excited. I did tease her a little by saying there was no need to set it up today and she rather quietly said that was fine. But then I told her I was joking and made her set it up herself.

To many years of productive (and fun) use! These machines can largely outlast their intended lifespan (with some components maintenance; speaking of which you might want to check the battery vitals on your new acquisition)

/cut teeth on an apple2 (clone)

 

[Naraxus]

No.
On Intel Macs there is a special shortcut you can use to install the oldest supported macOS (does not always work reliably, because of expired installer certificates.)
On Apple Silicon Macs you can only install the macOS you currently have installed (or newer) - via Recovery or Internet Recovery.

@Mr_Brightside_@ I also recommend the DFU mode method. (I have done it successfully on 60+ Macs.) Mac will come out like brandnew.
MrMacintosh has very good guides and all the needed ipsw download links.

Restore macOS Firmware on an Apple Silicon M1 Mac + Boot to DFU Mode

Need to install macOS on an Apple Silicon Mac? I will show you how to boot into Boot to DFU Mode + Use Apple Configurator 2 to restore macOS!

mrmacintosh.com

@scouser75 I agree that there is probably (and hopefully) some life left in the M1 MBA. One grain of salt though: Up until now, all the deprecated Macs have been Intel Macs. No Apple Silicon Macs have been announced as unsupported yet. Therefore, the 7+2 year number is based solely on the number of years Intel Macs have been supported.
We will have to wait and see.

Mr. Mac is a good one. I was going to suggest https://www.youtube.com/@PhotoEnthusiastic/videos

Sadly he doesn't have anything more recent as he passed away a few years ago

 

[Obioban]

The only right answer is MacBook Air M1 will receive at least 4 more years of software updates because Apple discontinued it last year. Apple’s policy is at least 5 years of software support since discontinuation.

That's really the question. Apple still sells them new, through walmart-- so maybe still 5 years, minimum, as of now? Hard to say if they include that as new sales though, since Walmart.

Also worth pointing out that the 5 year minimum is for OS updates-- you still get security updates for a few years beyond that.

Typed from my launch day M1 Air

 

[MBAir2010]

why would  nix their own chip, processor?
and next year?
seems to me our m1s should last and be updated for a decade or more.
this is their entire computer now

 

[JPack]

That's really the question. Apple still sells them new, through walmart-- so maybe still 5 years, minimum, as of now? Hard to say if they include that as new sales though, since Walmart.

Also worth pointing out that the 5 year minimum is for OS updates-- you still get security updates for a few years beyond that.

Typed from my launch day M1 Air

It's not hard to say at all. The date has always been based on product launch date, not whether a retailer still sells it.

Walmart orders 100k units and has trouble selling them. So Apple must now update their support plans?

 

[JPack]

why would  nix their own chip, processor?
and next year?
seems to me our m1s should last and be updated for a decade or more.
this is their entire computer now

Why? Because Apple wants to sell you a new one.

Do iPhones get major OS updates for a decade? What about iPads?

Not sure why there's this romantic idea that Apple Silicon Macs would be any different.

 

[MBAir2010]

Why? Because Apple wants to sell you a new one.

Do iPhones get major OS updates for a decade? What about iPads?

Not sure why there's this romantic idea that Apple Silicon Macs would be any different.

I figured that out decades ago

well, simply because the  techs control the processor instead of intel
not that I know exactly the meaning and architecture is developing a chip
seems to me that  wanted this system so they at  can stay
true to their sustainability green planet-
as they been promotion this these past yé%^%®´srweysbW%W%&W....
sorry my nose stared to growing while tying that!

no wonder why Pinocchio never used a laptop!

 

[bradman83]

The only right answer is MacBook Air M1 will receive at least 4 more years of software updates because Apple discontinued it last year. Apple’s policy is at least 5 years of software support since discontinuation.

Apple has never publicly committed to this policy for Macs, only for iPhones. And there are plenty of examples of them not following that.

The 2018 Mac mini wasn't technically discontinued until January 2023 when the M2 Pro models came out, but the last supported OS release is Sequoia in late 2024. (2 years)

The 2019 MacBook Air was discontinued in 2020 and its last supported OS is Sonoma in 2023. (3 years)

The Intel Mac Pro wasn't discontinued until June 2023 and will lose support next year with macOS 27. (3 years)

The iMac Pro was discontinued in 2021 and its last supported OS is Sequoia in 2024. (3 years)

2019 iMacs were discontinued in 2020 but aren't supported by Tahoe. (4 years)

Currently on sale M1 Airs via Walmart are likely not officially through Apple; Walmart likely bought out Apple's remaining inventory as a closeout, so I would not take this to mean continued software support.

 

[Obioban]

Apple has never publicly committed to this policy for Macs, only for iPhones. And there are plenty of examples of them not following that.

The 2018 Mac mini wasn't technically discontinued until January 2023 when the M2 Pro models came out, but the last supported OS release is Sequoia in late 2024. (2 years)

The 2019 MacBook Air was discontinued in 2020 and its last supported OS is Sonoma in 2023. (3 years)

The Intel Mac Pro wasn't discontinued until June 2023 and will lose support next year with macOS 27. (3 years)

The iMac Pro was discontinued in 2021 and its last supported OS is Sequoia in 2024. (3 years)

2019 iMacs were discontinued in 2020 but aren't supported by Tahoe. (4 years)

All those examples have the same one off nature, though-- Apple trying to move off Intel ASAP.

Outside of that transition, and the previous transition (to Intel), they traditionally have much longer OS support.

 

[bradman83]

All those examples have the same one off nature, though-- Apple trying to move off Intel ASAP.

Outside of that transition, and the previous transition (to Intel), they traditionally have much longer OS support.

I have to disagree. For many of these examples the short support period is due to an extended product life or other technical reasons.

The 2018 Mac mini is a great example. It should have been discontinued with the M1 mini's debut in 2020 but the M1 couldn't replicate the full capabilities of the Intel version, so Apple kept it for sale for slightly more than 2 years until the M2 Pro version came out in January 2023 to fully replace it.

My whole point is that products with unusually long lifespans shouldn't expect unusually long support. The M1 MBA still being offered by Walmart as a deep discount item shouldn't be construed as it being an actively produced product that Apple will continue to update into the 2030s.

 

[erikkfi]

The only right answer is MacBook Air M1 will receive at least 4 more years of software updates because Apple discontinued it last year. Apple’s policy is at least 5 years of software support since discontinuation.

The 13-inch mid-2012 MacBook Pro was sold until October 2016 and its final software update, macOS 10.15 came out in 2019.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Do iPhones get major OS updates for a decade? What about iPads?

Pretty darn close.
The iPad Air2 was released in October 2014 running iOS 8.1.
It was running the latest and most up-to-date version of software all the way until September 2022, that’s eight years, going from iOS 8.1 to iPadOS 15.7.
And it received a security update just two months ago, along with several others over the last three years.
It is currently about to go on its 12th year of being supported.
The iPhone 6S likewise also received a security update just two months ago, that phone originally launched in September 2015. That’s 10 years, a decade.
Not to mention devices like the Apple TV HD, launched in October 2015, and still on the latest version of tvOS 26.1 today as we speak.
And with both Google and Samsung now promising at least seven years of full support, I highly doubt Apple is going to start reversing course.
The iPad Air2 has been supported for 11 years, the M1 MacBook Air likely won’t just meet but exceed that.
There is also the fact that Apple was still launching new devices based off of the M1 as late as 2022, so add two years extra.

 

[JPack]

Pretty darn close.
The iPad Air2 was released in October 2014 running iOS 8.1.
It was running the latest and most up-to-date version of software all the way until September 2022, that’s eight years, going from iOS 8.1 to iPadOS 15.7.
And it received a security update just two months ago, along with several others over the last three years.
It is currently about to go on its 12th year of being supported.
The iPhone 6S likewise also received a security update just two months ago, that phone originally launched in September 2015. That’s 10 years, a decade.
Not to mention devices like the Apple TV HD, launched in October 2015, and still on the latest version of tvOS 26.1 today as we speak.
And with both Google and Samsung now promising at least seven years of full support, I highly doubt Apple is going to start reversing course.
The iPad Air2 has been supported for 11 years, the M1 MacBook Air likely won’t just meet but exceed that.
There is also the fact that Apple was still launching new devices based off of the M1 as late as 2022, so add two years extra.

I'm talking major updates, not the minor, random security updates you mentioned.

iPhone 6S can't even run the latest Gmail, Netflix, or Uber app. So, no, it's not supported with major OS updates for a decade.

Same thing with iPad - it can't run those common apps.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

I'm talking major updates, not the minor, random security updates you mentioned.

iPhone 6S can't even run the latest Gmail, Netflix, or Uber app. So, no, it's not supported with major OS updates for a decade.

Same thing with iPad - it can't run those common apps.

It’s security updates are absolutely important, and nothing you mentioned here is even relevant on the Mac.
The entire point is that Apple has and continues to support devices with their own silicon for over a decade, and there is no reason to think that the 2020 MacBook Air, 2020 MacBook Pro, 2021 MacBook Pro, 2020 Mac mini, 2021 iMac, 2021 iPad Pro, 2022 iPad Air, and 2022 Mac Studio, the entire list of machines based off of the M1 architecture, won’t receive up-to-datesecurity updates and more than likely the latest software updates as well well into the 2030s.
The 2018 iPad Pro is literally still supported and we are going into 2026, eight full years.
If the 2018 A12X iPad is still being supported going into 2026, why would the 2022 iPad Air M1, literally only discontinued last year, all of a sudden be on the chopping block? The answer Is that it wouldn’t, unless you expect Apple to cut support for four years worth of iPads and Macs all at once, which they definitely won’t.
Even the two generations of iPad Air from *before* the M1 are still being supported, the M1 is still many many years away from no longer receiving software or security updates.

 

[arcite]

Aren't the M1 & M2 extremely similar? I remember reading that the performance increases were pretty much because of increased clock speed, not by improved in the architecture itself, and hence the M2 powered devices ran hotter and throttled faster.

M2 has several million more transistors, plus graphics is around 30% better

 

[JPack]

It’s security updates are absolutely important, and nothing you mentioned here is even relevant on the Mac.
The entire point is that Apple has and continues to support devices with their own silicon for over a decade, and there is no reason to think that the 2020 MacBook Air, 2020 MacBook Pro, 2021 MacBook Pro, 2020 Mac mini, 2021 iMac, 2021 iPad Pro, 2022 iPad Air, and 2022 Mac Studio, the entire list of machines based off of the M1 architecture, won’t receive up-to-datesecurity updates and more than likely the latest software updates as well well into the 2030s.
The 2018 iPad Pro is literally still supported and we are going into 2026, eight full years.
If the 2018 A12X iPad is still being supported going into 2026, why would the 2022 iPad Air M1, literally only discontinued last year, all of a sudden be on the chopping block? The answer Is that it wouldn’t, unless you expect Apple to cut support for four years worth of iPads and Macs all at once, which they definitely won’t.
Even the two generations of iPad Air from *before* the M1 are still being supported, the M1 is still many many years away from no longer receiving software or security updates.

It's very relevant. If you want to run major apps like Adobe CC or Office 365, you need n-2 or n-3 version of macOS. Today, that means Ventura or Sonoma.

Apple fixes some major exploits by patching obsolete OS versions, but that doesn't improve app compatibility.

All the examples you provide show Apple offers 6-7 years of major OS updates. iPad Pro 2018 is getting 2019-2025 major iPadOS updates, meaning 6 years. When M1 MBA goes on the chopping block, it'll be the 2026 or 2027 version of macOS.

 

[Apple_Robert]

All of the arguing back and forth about the M1 MBA as it relates to the OP is meaningless. He is happy and his daughter is happy with the M1.

And furthermore, it also doesn’t really matter what tech elites here think about the longevity of the M1 MBA. The current price point is such that many people who normally wouldn’t be able to afford it for themselves or their children can now afford a very nice Mac that will more than accomplish the needs of people who aren’t obsessed with the latest specs. Believe it or not, most of you are in the minority when it comes to the average consumer and you argue as if what you espouse is the current consumer mindset; it isn’t.

Give it a rest already.

 

[aespana]

I rely do not know anymore-
I can't find out,
sorry to be this way'
but the OS was Monterey 2022 du jour.

perhaps someone or many  support can help you
since I can't!
good luck!


next time accept one's inane ranting over  incompetence.

How did you get that specific version of Monterey?

I tried to find it but couldn't. Is there a website where you download the installer to be put on a USB? Lime the installer you download in the apple website or the installation method is different?