Apple has officially declared three MacBooks obsolete. This designation applies to devices that have been around for more than seven years. Apple counts a device’s age from its release date, not when you bought it. This distinction matters for owners of older models.
The affected laptops include the 2015 11-inch MacBook Air and the 2017 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pros. These machines were already marked “Vintage” several years ago. That classification was the first step toward being deemed officially obsolete. Now, Apple confirms what many expected.
This announcement reminds users that relying on decade-old technology comes with risks. Once a MacBook is declared obsolete, Apple stops servicing it. Authorized repair shops also cannot order replacement parts. Consequently, repairing these laptops becomes extremely difficult. Users might only succeed if they can find the part from another machine or a rare third-party repair service.
However, there is one minor exception for MacBooks. Apple sometimes offers battery-only repairs for up to ten years. This depends entirely on part availability. Even so, it is risky to count on this option. Many users may already find the battery stock has run dry, leaving their laptop nonfunctional.
In addition to hardware limitations, obsolete MacBooks also miss out on software updates. For example, these models cannot run the latest macOS Tahoe 26 version. This means missing features like the new ‘Liquid Glass’ interface and improved system performance. Moreover, running outdated software increases security vulnerabilities, exposing users to potential threats.
For anyone still using these older devices, it is now essential to consider upgrading. Apple provides guides highlighting the best MacBooks and Macs available today. Alternatively, for those open to other brands, guides to the top laptops on the market can help with the transition.
In conclusion, Apple’s decision confirms what many users already suspected. Using outdated devices can compromise both performance and security. New technology offers enhanced safety, speed, and features that older laptops cannot support. Owners of these machines should act quickly.
Remember, these MacBooks obsolete warnings appear repeatedly for a reason. Technology moves forward, and your old laptop cannot keep up indefinitely. Replacing it now ensures you stay productive, secure, and connected.
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