When will your Mac desktop computer become obsolete?

Apple is rumored to be launching a few desktop lines and new models this year and, with that, support for some of the older computers has got to go. Is your Mac about to become obsolete? Or does Apple still consider it to be “vintage?” What does any of this mean?! What about your old iPhone that’s barely hanging on.

Fret not! Mashable will help break it all down for you and let you know if you should start thinking about upgrading your Mac soon.

Obsolete desktop Macs

When a Mac becomes obsolete, that’s the end of the road for that particular Apple product. Apple typically supports products for a minimum of five years from when it was last distributed by the company. Parts, if they are available, can also be obtained by Apple for up to seven years as required by law.

However, after that seven-year period, your Mac is totally on its own. Apple will no longer service it or provide parts for that product. 

Now, note, it’s not more than 7 years since you bought it. Apple products are obsolete if it’s been more than 7 years since Apple stopped officially selling them. So, even your old Mac probably has a pretty healthy lifespan if you bought it fairly close to launch, as Apple will likely continue selling the model for at least a few years after its release date.

But, still, maybe you have an obsolete Mac. Here are some of the desktop models that have recently been put out to pasture.

• iMacs released in late 2012 and earlier

• Mac Minis released in late 2012 and earlier

• Mac Pros released in mid-2010 and earlier

Apple also lists extremely old lines like the Power Mac, eMac, and even the original Apple computer as obsolete. It should go without saying that these products are no longer supported by the company.

Vintage desktop Macs

If your Mac isn’t on that list, don’t celebrate just yet. You might have what Apple calls a “vintage” Mac. Apple products are considered vintage if they fall between that five and seven year stretch between now and when Apple stopped selling them.

This means that these Macs are on their way to being obsolete so perhaps start saving up for a new one.

• iMac (21.5-inch, Early 2013) 

• iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013) 

• iMac (27-inch, Late 2013) 

• iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014) 

• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) 

• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Mid 2015) 

• Mac Pro (Mid 2012)

It can be sad (especially for your wallet) to see your trusty Mac computer become obsolete. Apple discontinues these products because, according to the company, its technologically become out-of-date hardware-wise. And, honestly, since the M1-powered Macs were released, it’s true. Apple’s own M1 chip is lightyears ahead of these old Intel-powered Macs in speed and processing power. 

If you see your Mac on this list and are looking for a new, affordable desktop computer, I highly recommend the Mac Mini M1.