How Long Does a Macbook Air Last
MacBook Air includes the invention of ultra-thin and lightweight laptops created by Apple Inc. These laptops are pretty costly, so one wonders how long does a MacBook air last. The quick answer is it can last a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 8 to 10 years, depending on your usage. And although the average lifespan of a MacBook Air is 5 years, if you put a heavy load on its processor, chances are it’ll last for almost 3 years only.
Let’s find out why MacBook Air lasts for more or fewer years and when you are supposed to replace it or have it checked by a professional computer technician.
The lifespan of Hardware Components of MacBook Air
Solid-state Drive:
Apple incorporates a Solid-state drive (SSD) inside the MacBook Air for storage. The SSDs are far more efficient in performance than hard drives yet are highly expensive. So, they won’t offer as much storage as a standard hard drive.
Depending on the amount of data, software applications, and other programs you have installed, the average lifespan might be between 3 to 5 years. But, if you have no such large files and heavy applications downloaded, it might offer reasonable storage for more years.
Processor:
The processor used in MacBook Air refers to the SOC (system on chip), which integrates RAM, CPU, and GPU on a single chip. You’ll find this type of processor known as M1, M1 Pro, or M1 Max in the latest models of MacBook Air launched in 2020 and 2021.
If you use older models of Mac Air, you’ll find Intel Core chips in it. Apple’s owned processor developed solely for Macs beats Intel in performance and efficiency. However, you’ll find the lifespan anywhere between 5 to 7 years when it comes to both.
Battery:
The 49.9-watt-hour lithium polymer battery in MacBook Air M1 lasts way longer than Intel-powered MacBook models. However, with consistent use for years, you’ll eventually face a decline in battery life. A light user who is into web browsing and streaming movies will be good for 5 to 8 years.
On the contrary, a heavy user who runs applications like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and a couple more graphics and editing software could see the battery life depleting in 3 to 5 years.
Screen:
MacBook Air is named “air” for a reason. Its ultra-slim and super lightweight structure make it desirable for users who carry laptops daily. However, you must know that the light structure makes the screen vulnerable.
Dropping the Mac Air hard on the floor is not an option. It might destroy the screen requiring you to get it replaced. So, it would help if you cared for the laptop all time you are using it. Also, after use of 5 years, the hinges become slightly loose, affecting the screen’s stability. If you use Mac Air well, the screen should last fine for at least five years.
5 Reasons why MacBook Air lifespan varies between 5 to 8 years
We’ll unfold the significant causes for the MacBook Air to function well for more to fewer years. But, remember, we are not saying that your notebook will become entirely useless or non-functioning after a specific time limit. It can go on to work fine for 10 plus years. However, there are some factors you would need to consider, like what you need your MacBook to do for you and when is the right time to replace it.
How you use it:
How you use Mac Air will decide the lifespan. As we discussed throughout, a light user can enjoy the optimal performance for 5 plus years. But a heavy user might start facing the functional issues within 5 years.
It is recommended that you prefer Macbook Pro for heavy gaming, editing, illustrating, doing VFX, and running other highly demanding software programs. Because these applications take up a lot of storage and put a lot of load on the processor. So, MacBook Air might not last that long. But, if you still want to go for the MacBook Air, you know now how long it will work well for you.
The OS stop getting updates:
Apple constantly introduces newer models and develops upgraded operating systems (OS). So, usually, after 5 years or so, it stops supporting the previous OS and launches a new one. Now, your notebook will work alright, but at the same time, it’ll become vulnerable to malware and other viruses. Also, when the OS stops receiving updates, you won’t be able to benefit from any new features.
You can’t upgrade the RAM or other parts:
When it comes to upgrading the RAM, SSD, or other parts to extend the lifespan of your Mac Air, you’ll find that Mac Air laptops can’t be upgraded. This might also give you a reason to replace your Mac with the latest model after 5 to 7 years.
The applications run slow or don’t run at all:
Applications may slow down due to the heavy load on the processor, or the newer apps you install turn out to be incompatible with your MacBook Air OS. Less storage will also create problems. So, when your notebook stops performing perfectly, you’ll need repairs or replacement after an average of 5 years.
The components are not available for replacement:
You might consider replacing parts like a battery if you need a new one after 5 to 7 years, but chances are you won’t get it. Apple stops selling parts for Mac laptops after 5 years. Also, replacing batteries is very costly in general, and only Apple technicians can perform repairs for you.
Conclusion:
The whole point is your MacBook Air will not last more than 5 to 8 years. You can go for repairs and replacements of parts while Apple offers them. However, it’ll be costly. But, if you have important files and data in the laptop that needs to be recovered, repairing is your only option. You can consider buying the latest model after you feel your notebook has stopped working as per your expectations. On the contrary, if you use your MacBook Air carefully while keeping its maintenance in check, it’ll probably last longer.