Is Upgrading Your Late 2010 MacBook Air to High Sierra OS Worth It?
When considering system upgrades for your aging Mac, it's important to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks. This article explores whether it is worth upgrading your late 2010 MacBook Air to macOS High Sierra OS, and what factors you should consider before making this decision.
The Current State of High Sierra
As of the latest update, High Sierra (macOS 10.13) is at version 10.13.1. The first bug fix has been released, but it is advisable to wait for the subsequent updates, particularly version 10.13.3, which is expected to resolve any remaining issues. According to Apple, version 10.13.3 is the third bug fix, making this a more stable and reliable version of the operating system.
Is Stability Important?
For users whose late 2010 MacBook Air is functioning well, it might not be necessary to upgrade. The system is likely optimized for its hardware and may not benefit from a new OS. However, if you decide to upgrade, it is crucial to create a bootable clone of your current system first. This will allow you to revert to your previous setup if the upgrade causes any issues.
Performance Considerations for Older Macs
The performance of your MacBook Air is influenced by its hardware. Late 2010 MacBook Air models were equipped with spinning hard drives, which are slower than modern solid-state drives (SSDs). If your MacBook Air still uses a spinning disk, upgrading to High Sierra OS will likely result in a noticeable decrease in system performance. This is because the new OS may not be as optimized for older hardware, leading to slower boot times, application launches, and general system responsiveness.
What Do Users Experience?
Several users have reported that upgrading to High Sierra has resulted in a slower system. This is particularly true for older Macs with conventional hard drives. If you have the opportunity to upgrade to an SSD, it could significantly improve your system's performance, but this may not be feasible due to the age and hardware limitations of your MacBook Air.
Especially No Change
From a technical perspective, the latest iterations of macOS have not made substantial changes to the user experience or system functionality. The developers at Apple have more often focused on bug fixes and minor improvements, rather than introducing major new features.
Conclusion
Given the late 2010 MacBook Air’s hardware and the current state of macOS High Sierra, the upgrade is likely not recommended. Your system is better off remaining stable, and any benefits of upgrading may be outweighed by performance degradation. If you do decide to upgrade, ensure that you have a backup and be prepared for potential issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I wait for the next update before upgrading my MacBook Air to High Sierra?
A: Yes, it is advisable to wait until version 10.13.3 to ensure that the upgrade is stable and free of major bugs. This will provide you with a more reliable experience.
Q: Can I upgrade my MacBook Air’s HDD to an SSD, and if so, will it improve High Sierra’s performance?
A: Upgrading to an SSD is highly recommended for older MacBooks with HDDs. This upgrade can significantly improve system performance, but it is a more involved process that may not be feasible for some users.
Q: Is it necessary to create a bootable clone before upgrading my MacBook Air?
A: Yes, creating a bootable clone is essential. In case the upgrade leads to any issues, you can revert to your previous system setup using the bootable clone.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or need assistance with upgrading your MacBook Air, please feel free to contact our support team. Our experienced experts are ready to help with any technical queries or issues you might face.