How Long Does Apple Support macOS on Its Mac Computers?
Apple typically provides macOS updates and support for about three years after a Mac model's release. However, the exact duration can vary based on the specific model and the type of updatessecurity updates vs. major version upgrades. In this article, we will explore the nuances of Apple's support lifecycle and provide clarity on commonly asked questions.
How Long Does Apple Support macOS?
When discussing how long Apple supports macOS, it's important to note that the timeline can vary significantly depending on the version of macOS and the Mac model.
MacOS X to macOS Transition
Apple officially changed the name from 'Mac OS X' to 'macOS' in 2012. However, the support timeline remains consistent regardless of the name change. macOS was first released as 'Mac OS X' in 1999 before the transition.
Support Timeline for macOS Versions
About one year after the release of a new macOS version, Apple begins to provide 'real' support. This support includes critical security updates. For major versions, such as macOS Ventura, Apple typically supports it with security updates for around two years after the release of the next major version. For instance, macOS Ventura was released last year and is still being actively supported with new features and patches.
How Long Does Apple Support a Version of macOS with a Mac?
The official answer from Apple is that support for a macOS version on a Mac typically ends after approximately three years. However, the details can be more nuanced:
Real Support and Security Updates
About one year after a major macOS update, Apple stops providing 'real' support for that version, meaning that users are no longer receiving major updates. However, Apple continues to provide critical security updates for a short periodoften around two years. For example, with macOS Ventura, Apple is currently offering security updates, which means that this version will continue to receive support for at least a little while longer.
Upcoming macOS Releases
The next macOS version will be announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. At this event, Apple will likely reveal the next major update to macOS and a beta version will be made available for developers. After the beta phase, a final release of the new version will be made available, and the previous version will begin to receive fewer updates.
How Long Can You Keep Putting Newer Versions of macOS on an Older Mac?
The lifespan of a Mac model in terms of receiving macOS updates can vary widely. While some Macs can support newer macOS versions for a decade or more, others may only get support for four or five years. Apple does not make any hard promises about support timelines, but they typically make a significant effort to support any Mac that has been on sale in the last two years.
Factors Affecting Support Lifespan
The decision to cut off support for a Mac model is often influenced by factors such as CPU and GPU technology. For instance, older Mac models may be discontinued because it is too much work to support an entire CPU family. In other cases, the performance of a GPU may be deemed insufficient, or Apple may need to rewrite entire systems to support new features, leading to a need to cut off support for older hardware.
Example: macOS Support for Older Models
As of the current release, the 'old' version of macOS is Ventura, which is about 18 months old. If a significant security issue arises, it might receive a patch. However, macOS Big Sur, which is over two years old, is unlikely to receive security updates except for the most critical issues.
Running macOS on Original Hardware
Technically, you can run a particular version of macOS on the Mac that came with it until the hardware fails. However, this is not a practical strategy since newer macOS versions require more modern hardware to run optimally.
Overall, the support timeline for macOS is complex and can vary significantly based on the specific Mac model and the version of macOS. For the most accurate information, it is best to refer to Apple's official support documentation or the macOS compatibility list.