However, you can generally expect a PC laptop, a MacBook Air, or a MacBook Pro to last 3 to 5 years. Similarly, a PC user and an Apple user can both anticipate their desktops will last 5 to 8 years.
“Macs are generally more secure than Windows machines to start, and because of that people are often encouraged to be complacent around installing security software and other monitoring, and there is less competition from other criminals,” warned Aurora.
PCs are more easily upgraded and have more options for different components. A Mac, if it's upgradeable, can upgrade only memory and the storage drive. A PC user can select from many motherboards, processors, storage drives, video cards, graphics cards, audio cards, and memory.
Based on operating system support, the limit is between eight and ten years – after which time Apple will not support the software and it's probably a good time to replace your Mac. But it's not just software updates that are important.
In general, though, Macs tend to last longer than most PCs because of the engineering that goes into them. For starters, Apple oversees every aspect of production for their computers.
Like Windows PCs, Macs do slow down over time. Your old Mac slows down a bit whenever a new macOS update is released because of added features and complexity. Moreover, the more apps you have on your Mac, the slower it gets. Malware can slow down your Mac as well.
As long as it's treated properly, not dropped or liquid damaged, most MacBooks will last longer than 10 years. They won't run the latest operating system, but that may not matter. Batteries should be replaced regularly, about every four years or when they begin to swell.
For most desktop PCs, you can expect a minimum three-year lifespan. However, most computers survive five to eight years, depending on the upgrading components.
The average lifespan of a laptop
There are plenty of variables, but you can expect a well-maintained laptop to last for three to five years. The laptop lifespan is shorter than a desktop PC due to its compact stature.
So Why Do Macs Seem to Last Longer? These design differences have repercussions on both sides. Apple's tight control of its ecosystem means all the components of a Mac system are optimized to work together. That allows every process to run more smoothly, throughout the lifetime of the system.
MacBooks are superior when it comes to build quality and the UNIX-based MacOS operating system. Windows laptops take everything else, including the ecosystem. The only reason you should choose a MacBook over a Windows laptop is if you want to be comfortable inside that Apple garden.
Mac is built to last: When compared to a Windows PC, Mac has a longer lifespan. Apple has the advantage of its hardware and software being optimised for each other, thus runs smoothly without having to worry about compatibility issues as seen on Windows.
Macs are frequently seen as more secure than PCs, but no internet-connected device is completely immune to threats. Macs have historically faced fewer attacks in part because they were less popular than Windows-based PCs, so cybercriminals simply didn't target them.
Takeaway. We think MacBooks are worth it, especially considering their durability and performance. Still, you need to do your own research and think about what you will use it for: basic usage, programming, gaming, graphic design, communication, video editing, and so on.
Desktop computers generally last longer than laptops. A laptop's lifespan is generally reckoned to be around three to five years, compared to a desktop computer's lifespan of around five to eight years.
You can expect a laptop to last four to five years, though Apple laptops have a longer life expectancy. No matter how well you care for a laptop, don't expect to use it for more than about 10 years due to software issues. Here are seven of the key signs it's time to upgrade to a new laptop.
They slow down with weight…the weight of newer software, that is. New software requires better and bigger hardware to run properly. Say you bought a computer 5 years ago. Back then, it was top of the line and could play any video game you bought, run any program you installed, and not even hesitate for a second.
PCs are designed to literally never stop, with cooling and power settings that ensure smooth running even under the longest running times. It isn't recommended, as this will shorten the lifespan of any moving parts such as HDDs and fans, but these are parts you would replace if you plan to run a PC constantly.
A laptop can last for 20 years, and a desktop can fail after only a couple of years. However, given what we talked about above, the tendency is very much that a laptop will have a shorter life than an equivalent desktop.
Products are considered vintage when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 5 and less than 7 years ago.
Macs, over seven years old, are considered “obsolete.” Apple or its service providers will not service obsolete Macs. From a repair point of view, Macs last seven years since they are no longer on sale. Macs are typically on sale for around a year, though some models have been sold for much longer.
Apple considers Mac "vintage" if they were released between 5 and 7 years ago, and obsolete if older than 7 years. Obsolete Macs no longer qualify for service and support. Security updates are no longer available.