Apple boasts that its computer's hardware lasts a long time. You can spend years and years using your MacBook and it would function in the same manner as when you just get it out of the store.
But at some point, you'll have to say goodbye to your Mac, particularly when you start experiencing problems with your machine. In the beginning, you'll wonder whether you could still keep it or you need a replacement.
In this article, we look at the different signs when your Mac could possibly need a replacement.
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1. You Can No Longer Run the Latest Version of macOS
Annually, a new version of macOS is released by Apple. According to Make Use Of, the models of Mac from the last several years are capable of running the new OS. But sometimes, your Mac becomes too old to update to the latest macOS version. It only means that it's becoming obsolete.
At the time of writing, the latest stable version of macOS is Ventura. At some point, you will not be able to get any full macOS upgrades anymore, but you'll still be able to use your Mac for a while.
As of writing, macOS Big Sur is still supported. But Apple will likely stop offering support in October 2023. When that happens, your Mac won't receive security updates. Moreover, third-party software might also stop working. This only indicates that while your Mac is still working, you'll need update to a newer model soon.
2. Your Mac Constantly Lacks Free Space
As you keep on using your computer, apps and other data continue to take up more space. As a result, you have to struggle to get free space if you have a limited amount of storage.
If your machine has 128GB or even 256GB storage, you probably have to do some workarounds to make more space constantly. This might mean deleting some files from your Mac or adding more storage using an external hard drive.
But eventually, you'll get tired of these methods. By then, it's time to upgrade to a new Mac. But when you do, be sure to choose a model with plenty of storage.
Read Also: Is Your MacBook Battery Draining Fast? 6 Ways to Improve Battery Life and Avoid Replacement
3. Your Mac's Hardware Isn't Powerful Enough
The computer's storage disk is one of the computer components that declines with age. Not having sufficient RAM will prevent you from running many apps at once. With old hardware, the overall system performance is also impacted.
Another computer component that declines over the years is the battery. Batteries have a limited number of cycles. Eventually, it will reach the end of its life, and you won't be able to charge it. While there are some workarounds available, it will be wiser to just get a new model with the latest RAM and a new battery.
4. You Experience Regular Software Issues
You might experience that your Mac is slow or unresponsive when there are too many programs running at once. Or sometimes, your system is freezing. The most problematic is when your device randomly shuts down.
While there could be various reasons why these things happen, it could be due to a lack of free space or outdated hardware, according to Entire. If you are constantly experiencing problems with your software, perhaps it's about time to replace your Mac with a new unit.
5. Your Mac's Hardware is Damaged
If your Mac is already several years old, the years of using it could potentially cause damage to its hardware. It's possible that you might accidentally drop it, causing damage to the internal parts, or a heavy object was put over it.
While repairs are possible, they could be expensive. Therefore, it would be more cost-efficient to just get a new machine.
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