The MacBook Air is a pretty nifty machine – lightweight, slim, and portable – all the good stuff Apple is known for. It is less expensive than the MacBook Pro but still much more costly than a regular Windows laptop.
That is why people are curious about “How Long Does the MacBook Air Last?” So let me provide a simple answer.
If you’re a normal user, just doing your thing with some proper care, you can expect your MacBook Air to keep going strong for around 5 to 6 years. Not bad, right?
But hey, if you don’t pay much attention to how you treat it, things can take a nosedive real quick. Without proper care and maintenance, you might find yourself with issues in just 2 to 3 years.
Now, together, let’s just check some more on the Macbook Air’s lifespan.
How Long Do Macbook Airs Last – On Average
As I mentioned earlier, the Macbook Air isn’t going to be as durable as the MacBook Pro, so you can’t make it work for a decade or more.
Although, with careful handling and proper maintenance, there’s a chance that you can extend its life by half a decade or maybe a little bit more.
Clearly, if I may say so, in regular usage, it’s likely that a MacBook Air will last for around 5 to 6 years. Whereas rough users can take it for like two years or so. (those who aren’t concerned about the device)
Here’s a short table that explains everything about users and the time period.
| Users type | Tasks | Time to Last |
| Light users | Browse, watch, and store files only | 6 to 7 Years |
| Standard users | Data Visualization, Trading, and High Data Analysis | 5 years |
| Power users | App development, video editing, and web development | 3 to 4 years |
Maintaining its battery, keeping up with software updates, and ensuring effective cooling will greatly increase its lifespan for any of these users.
How Long Do MacBook Airs Last Under Heavy Use?
Using a laptop for 4K video editing, app development, graphic design, filmmaking, and other professional tasks is considered heavy use.
Remember, The MacBook Air isn’t designed as a Macbook Pro, which handles these tasks pretty easily. Instead, it is designed for more delicate usage, making it less suitable for less-energy-demanding tasks like writing, HD video editing, or minor gaming.
However, it is still powerful enough to handle various tasks without a doubt.
You can say that the MacBook Air can handle heavy tasks, but it may put stress on the processor, batteries, and other parts of the laptop, potentially affecting its life.
Generally, under such conditions, the MacBook Air can last barely 3 to 4 years before showing signs of ending. (approximately 3 to 4 Years with good care and maintenance)
Also, it’s not a high-end laptop, so its processor, RAM, and storage can get older or become insignificant for heavy applications after 4 years. So, you might need a new one for that reason too.
How Long Do Macbook Airs Last Under Light Use?
For light usage, MacBook Airs can last much longer than that.
If you’re mainly using it for tasks like browsing the web, editing documents, checking emails, and streaming videos occasionally, then it could easily last for half a decade or maybe more.
For light applications, you might not need a hardware update soon, and light applications don’t put any stress on the processor or GPU. So without stress, your MacBook will continue to run properly.
It’s true that Apple will eventually stop providing updates for older models. But despite that, with proper care and light usage, your MacBook Air can still function well. Keep in mind that some newer apps or features may not be compatible with older updates over time.
Therefore, if you are a light user, purchasing this laptop will free you from thinking about an upgrade for the next 5 to 7 years. It might not be necessary, though.
When Does the Macbook Air Stop Receiving Updates?
Actually, it takes 6 to 7 years to completely stop receiving further updates from Apple.
For example, The MacBook Air, which was manufactured early in 2017, is not receiving any updates. The reason is that old Macbooks no longer meet the hardware requirements to support these updates effectively.
Due to the weak hardware, the MacBook Air won’t receive updates anymore and will miss out on new features, security patches, and performance improvements.
Over time, this can lead to many issues with certain apps and websites, as well as reduced protection against emerging security threats.
Under such conditions, you are only left with one option to consider upgrading to a new one.
Simple Ways to Make Your MacBook Last Longer
Now, if you already have a Macbook and want some useful tips to enhance its performance and lifespan as well, then, stick around.
Here are a few steps you can follow to increase the life span of your MacBook.
- Keep It Sparkling
To maintain your MacBook’s performance, make sure to clean the keyboard, screen, and ports regularly to prevent dust and debris build-up.
Also, avoid eating or drinking near your device to prevent accidental spills that could cause damage.
Protect your MacBook by using a keyboard cover or skin to guard against spills and dust. When not in use, place it in a cool, dry place to prevent potential heat damage and ensure its longevity.
- Check Your Storage Usage
For optimal performance, avoid completely filling your MacBooks storage and aim to keep around 20% of it free.
When your laptop runs low on storage, it doesn’t provide suitable performance in various activities, ultimately affecting its overall functionality.
Having free space is crucial for a smooth user experience. If you ask me, I personally experienced how awful it is to run a laptop on low storage. Super frustrating!
- Make Smart Use of Your Battery
Let’s talk battery – don’t overcharge it, okay? Keep it plugged in when needed, and try not to drain it unnecessarily. Trust me, it’ll thank you for it.
Close unused apps and background processes, lower screen brightness, and disconnect external devices when not in use.
By reducing power-consuming tasks, you can preserve battery life and ensure your MacBook remains efficient and long-lasting.
- Keep It Cool
For a Macbook to last a long time, it needs to be kept cool. By cool, I mean to place it in a place where it could get some fresh air.
Take a pro tip – always give your MacBook Air some space to breathe! Proper airflow is essential to keeping it cool and happy. Avoid using it on soft surfaces like the sofa and go for a nice, flat desk or table instead. You can even get a cooling pad or laptop stand to keep things cool.
Furthermore, don’t use it in direct sunlight or leave it in a hot car, as extreme heat can damage internal components. You got me, right?
- Update Software
Don’t forget to keep your macOS and apps up-to-date for better performance and security. That way, you’ll be rocking the latest features and staying safe from any cyber nasties.
Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest security patches helps protect your MacBook from many advanced threats.
Remember, keeping your MacBook’s software up-to-date is an easy way to have smooth performance and protect your MacBook for the upcoming years.
FAQ
Does Rough Battery Usage Impact the Overall Lifespan of a Macbook Air?
Yes, rough battery usage impacts the overall lifespan of a MacBook Air. The more charge cycles a battery goes through, the more its performance degrades.
As the battery’s performance weakens, you may notice a decrease in on-battery life and the necessity for more frequent recharges. Also, The battery overheats, which can potentially harm other components of your device.
Proper battery care, such as avoiding extreme temperatures and keeping the battery between 20-80% charged, can help extend its longevity and contribute to the overall lifespan of the MacBook Air.
Can I Still Receive Software Updates for Older Macbook Air Models?
Support and software updates for older MacBook Air models vary according to their age. From the date of the original launch, Apple usually provides updates and support for approximately five to seven years.
However, after this period, older MacBook Air models won’t receive the latest macOS updates, but they can still remain functional and work effectively.
If you want to receive the latest updates, buy a new MacBook Air.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a regular user who takes good care of it, your MacBook Air can be your faithful companion for about 5 to 6 years. Not too shabby, right?
But hold on, neglecting it might lead to trouble sooner than you think. Without proper care, you might face issues in just 2 to 3 years.
So, here’s the secret sauce: Keep it clean, manage your storage, use your battery wisely, and let it cool off on a flat surface. Oh, and don’t forget those software updates!
Treat your MacBook Air right, and it’ll be your trusty pal for years. That’s it.
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Ernests is the founder and chief editor at WolfofLaptop, with extensive experience as an editor and writer for numerous other tech blogs. His journey into the world of tech blogging evolved from a background in marketing, eventually leading him to become a full-time tech enthusiast. Ernests has successfully merged his marketing expertise with his passion for technology. He has a deep affection for computers, iPads, and smartphones, and his writing style is geared toward offering helpful insights to a global audience. Ernests specializes in crafting comprehensive guides, buyer's guides, and news articles.
In his spare time, Ernests enjoys staying active with activities like running and sports. He's also an avid movie enthusiast and finds relaxation in gaming, particularly on his trusty PS5.