There’s no single answer to how long a new MacBook will last. A base MacBook Neo may hit bottlenecks sooner than a fully‑equipped MacBook Pro, but usage habits and upgrade choices also dictate longevity.

The most reliable metric is macOS support. Every major release can leave older hardware unable to install the update or run modern security features. macOS 27 Golden Gate arrives in fall 2026 and supports all Apple‑silicon Macs, with the oldest still supported being the M1 MacBook Air and M1 MacBook Pro from 2020.

Hardware bottlenecks matter too. Light tasks let a base model survive until the OS stops updating, but video editing or heavy multitasking demands more powerful CPUs, RAM and storage. Batteries are rated for 1,000 cycles; beyond that, replacement or poor performance is common.

Apple’s post‑warranty policy splits devices into vintage (5‑7 years) and obsolete (>7 years). The 2020 Intel MacBook Air is the newest vintage, while 2017 Pro models are obsolete. With Intel support ending in 2028, users should plan an upgrade sooner if they lack an M1 chip.