OS Updates in older MBP models

[jjwc353]

Quick question. I'm looking to purchase a used MBP, somewhere in the 2012-2014 year range. I currently use a 2009 model that has been going strong for me still (with updated hardware), but it no longer supports OS updates. For example, I cannot update to High Sierra.

My question: Is this pattern of MBP models supporting OS updates a linear trend? For example - my 2009 MBP could not update to the new OS this last year (8 years old)... if I purchase a 2012 MBP, will that also stop supporting OS updates after 2020 (when it is 8 years old)?

Thanks everyone!

Bonus - any input regarding 15" 2012-2014 MBP models is great. I mostly use for programming, app dev, and music production.

 

[casperes1996]

It isn't necessarily linear, no.
I recommend getting a Retina model. 2013 or 2014 preferably.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Quick question. I'm looking to purchase a used MBP, somewhere in the 2012-2014 year range. I currently use a 2009 model that has been going strong for me still (with updated hardware), but it no longer supports OS updates. For example, I cannot update to High Sierra.

My question: Is this pattern of MBP models supporting OS updates a linear trend? For example - my 2009 MBP could not update to the new OS this last year (8 years old)... if I purchase a 2012 MBP, will that also stop supporting OS updates after 2020 (when it is 8 years old)?

Thanks everyone!

Bonus - any input regarding 15" 2012-2014 MBP models is great. I mostly use for programming, app dev, and music production.

It will be something like that but they sold the 2012 13 inch MacBook Pro right up until 2016 so it may be an outlier that they continue to support for a few years more, I expect 2022. However it can be more down to software requiring specific hardware rather than any hard and fast rules.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

If you want to update your 2009 MBP to Sierra / High Sierra, there are firmware patches for your computer at http://dosdude1.com/software.html

I’m debating experimenting on my late 2008 MBP as it’s stuck at El Capitan too.

@dosdude1 is a forum member as well.

 

[Fishrrman]

I wouldn't be particularly concerned that your 2009 (which you admit still is "going strong") can't run High Sierra.

Can it run Low Sierra?
If so, put that on there and it's good to go for at least 2-3 more years.
Don't fall for the "I have-to-have the latest-and-greatest!" rigamorole.
What works... works.

Having said that...
... IF you get something new, DO NOT buy any MacBook Pro UNLESS it comes with an SSD inside (of course the retina models come this way).

I would recommend that you "look just slightly beyond" 2014 -- and get a 2015-design MBP instead.

You didn't tell us which screen size you want.

If it's 13", you can still get the 2015 MBP 13" as Apple-refurbished (with a 1-year Apple warranty). But you have to keep a close eye on what's available, and BE READY TO BUY the moment you see one, because they "go out" as soon as new stock is available.

If you're looking to get a 15", you can still buy the 2015 MBP 15" model -NEW- from Apple. Go to store.apple.com, go to the 15" MBP page, then click the buy button, then scroll down to see them (they're not easy to find, but they're "there").
You can also get the 2015-design MBP 15" as Apple-refurbished, as well.