How Long Do MacBook Airs Last

The Macbook Air was first introduced by Apple in 2008. Since then, Apple has updated the Macbook Air with each generation, developing them to be more advanced than previous models.MacBook Airs are popular as they are extremely lightweight, have a long battery life, and have high resolution. However, these laptops are hefty investments.

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This leaves many people wondering, how long do Macbook Airs last? The answer depends on a few factors which we’ll cover in this article, as well as when you should replace your Macbook Air.

Lifespan Of A Macbook Air

Years On Average

If you look after your Macbook, it can last from an average of 5 to 7 years. Despite this, technology is changing all the time.

Your machine might not be able to handle new software, ever-increasing memory needs, and any errors that might occur. Like other laptops, these factors influence Macbook Air users to replace their machines after a few years.

The lifespan of a Macbook Air depends on how the machine is used. Tasks that heavily use graphics or the central processing unit (CPU) will shorten the lifespan more. This is because these tasks rely on software that needs more memory and storage.

Heavy vs Light Use

Light Usage: Tasks like web browsing and Netflix count as light usage. MacBook Air’s used lightly can last 5 to 7 years or above.

Heavy Usage: This involves tasks like Photoshop, Illustrator, gaming, and animations. Many people connect a second display to their computers, but this also counts as heavy use.

A Macbook Air used for these tasks can last less than 5 years. If you need a laptop that can do larger tasks, a Macbook Pro may suit your needs better.

Lifespan Of A Macbook Air Used For Gaming 

A Macbook Air can handle light gaming, but it isn’t designed for playing them often or for long periods.

If you want a laptop with a long lifespan that can handle gaming, you should opt for a Macbook Pro instead. The Pro’s software can run new games and video software easier than the Air.

Be aware that once you buy, you can’t update the RAM, storage, or graphics on the Air or the Pro.

These upgrades are optional and can only be uploaded at the point of purchase. You may need these enhancements if you plan on gaming, so make sure that you add the upgrades before you buy.

If you have a Macbook Air without any upgrades but want to use it for gaming, you can buy external graphics enclosures. When connected to your Air (or Pro), your laptop then has the capacity of a desktop PC. It can handle any games or video editing tasks without needing to purchase a new machine.

When To Replace A Macbook Air

Whether you need to replace your Macbook Air or not depends on a few factors. If you use it for simple tasks like web browsing or Youtube, you can go longer without replacing it.

If you use it for video editing or games, you will have to replace your machine quicker. In this case, a Macbook Air without upgrades will have to be replaced after 5 years.

Here are some other scenarios in which you will need to replace your Macbook Air.

Your Machine Doesn’t Support The Newest Mac Operating System

If you cannot update the operating system anymore, this leaves your Macbook in danger of malware and viruses. You may also find it difficult to run specific software.

An example of this is the pre-2012 Macbook Air models. The latest macOS isn’t compatible with their software as the technology has developed past their capacity.

Apple’s operating software may not be compatible with Macbook’s over 7-8 years old. If the software cannot be updated, then your machine may struggle to perform tasks correctly.

All laptops that don’t have an updated operating system are at risk of viruses and malware.

Viruses and malware are developing all the time, so upgrades are needed regularly. The developing technology is one reason why Macbook Airs only last 5-7 years.

Apps Start Slowing Down

On any laptop, apps that are slowing down are signs to replace your machine. You can reformat your laptop or reinstall the software to amend this.

Reformatting your laptop can make it run faster, but be aware that this erases all of your files, so make a hard copy before doing so. If you reformat your Macbook and the apps are still slow, you’ll likely need a new machine.

If you’ve only had your Macbook Air for a few years and the apps are slowing down, this isn’t always a reason to replace it. However, you should look at your laptop to see if it can still handle the tasks that you use it for.

Batteries Are Expensive To Replace

A lot of Macbook users say that their battery only lasts 4-5 years before it needs replacing. Consumers also buy a new Macbook instead of replacing the battery, which isn’t always needed.

This is because Apple has made the batteries on both the Air and the Pro harder and expensive to replace. This prevents people from going to third parties for replacement parts. You’ll have to go back to Apple instead of your nearest repair shop.

Newer Macbook Airs and Pros are built in a way that prevents users from examining them. You’ll need specific tools and a special glue to crack open the machine.

All of these factors mean that you’ll have to opt for a new Macbook once the battery dies. However, if you simply used your Macbook Air for Youtube or Netflix, many less expensive tablets can do the job for less.

Your Macbook Air Looks Old

Apple-designed the Macbook Air to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible. These models are thin, lightweight, and come in beautiful finishes. Despite this, even Macbook Airs can look outdated and old over time.

The screen can get smudged, dust and dirt can build up under the keyboard, and the casing can get scratched. If image is important to you, then you may want to replace your laptop when it stops looking new and shiny.

The Bottom Line

Many factors dictate how long a Macbook Air will last. To get a rough idea of your Air’s lifespan, figure out if you need it for light or heavy activities.

Heavy graphics work or greater CPU usage means that your laptop will have a shorter lifespan. In most cases, your Macbook Air can last anywhere from 5-7 years. However, you may want to replace your Air for a multitude of reasons, including battery life, slow apps, or aesthetics.