Introduction: Can a MacBook Last 10 Years?
Apple MacBooks are renowned for their premium build quality, clean design, and reliable macOS ecosystem. Many users proudly report using their MacBooks for 8, 9, even 10+ years with minimal issues. If maintained properly, a MacBook can physically last a decade or more. But just because a machine can survive that long doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a smart buy in 2025.
The real question is not about durability—but about usability. Can a 10-year-old MacBook still handle modern apps, security needs, and workflows in today’s world? Let’s dig deeper.
What to Expect from a 10-Year-Old MacBook in 2025
A 10-year-old MacBook in 2025 means you're looking at a model from 2015 or earlier. While these machines were excellent for their time, here’s what you’ll likely encounter:
- Outdated Processors: Most models from 2015 or earlier use 5th-generation Intel chips or older, which struggle with today’s software demands and multitasking.
- No macOS Updates: macOS support typically lasts 6–7 years. A 2015 MacBook won’t support macOS 15 Sequoia or any future versions, making it incompatible with many modern apps.
- Battery Degradation: Even with low usage, batteries degrade over time. Expect significantly reduced battery life—often under 2 hours—unless the battery was recently replaced.
- Limited RAM and Storage: Many 2015-era MacBooks came with 4GB or 8GB RAM and small SSDs or even spinning hard drives. That’s tight for modern workflows.
- Lack of Modern Features: No Wi-Fi 6, no Bluetooth 5.0, no Thunderbolt 4, and no Apple Silicon optimization—all of which are standard in newer models.
In short, a 10-year-old MacBook might still “work,” but it’s far from future-proof—and barely capable of keeping up with today’s performance standards.
Butterfly Keyboard Era: Proceed with Caution
One of the biggest risks in buying a 10-year-old MacBook—or even one as recent as 5 to 8 years old—is getting stuck with a butterfly keyboard. Apple introduced this ultra-low-profile keyboard design in 2015, and it was used in nearly all MacBooks until 2019.
While Apple intended the butterfly keyboard to improve typing speed and save space, it quickly gained a reputation for being fragile, unreliable, and expensive to repair. Here's what you need to know before buying any used or refurbished MacBook made during this era:
🔧 Common Failure Points
- Sticky or unresponsive keys: Even a tiny amount of dust or debris under the keys can cause them to stop working—or to register multiple inputs.
- Double key presses: Keys may register two or three times when you press them once, making typing frustrating and error-prone.
- Non-removable keys: Unlike traditional keyboards, the butterfly keys are difficult to remove and clean without damaging them.
💸 Repair and Replacement Costs
- Butterfly keyboard repairs often required replacing the entire top case, including the battery and trackpad—an expensive fix costing $300 or more out of warranty.
- Apple’s keyboard service program offered free repairs for affected models but is now either expired or nearing its end for many units by 2025.
🧑💻 Which Models Are Affected?
- MacBook (12-inch): 2015–2017
- MacBook Pro (13-inch and 15-inch): 2016–2019
- MacBook Air: 2018–2019
🛑 Why It's a Dealbreaker in 2025
- No active support from Apple for butterfly keyboard repairs
- High repair costs and reduced parts availability
- Widespread user dissatisfaction, driving down resale value and buyer confidence
✅ What to Choose Instead
Look for models released in 2020 or later, which feature the much-improved Magic Keyboard—a redesigned scissor-switch mechanism that offers better typing feel, durability, and reliability. It's the same design Apple continues to use today across all MacBooks.
What’s the Oldest MacBook We Recommend in 2025?
If you're looking for a reliable, long-lasting MacBook in 2025, the earliest model we recommend is from 2020—specifically, the ones featuring Apple’s M1 chip. These were the first generation of Apple Silicon Macs and represented a massive leap in performance, battery life, and efficiency compared to earlier Intel models.
Whether you choose the MacBook Air M1 or MacBook Pro M1, you’ll get a fast, quiet, and efficient machine that can easily handle modern workloads and macOS updates for years to come.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the 2020 MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro:
| Feature |
MacBook Air (M1, 2020) |
MacBook Pro (M1, 2020) |
| Processor |
Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 7- or 8-core GPU) |
Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU) |
| RAM |
8GB or 16GB Unified Memory |
8GB or 16GB Unified Memory |
| Storage |
256GB to 2TB SSD |
256GB to 2TB SSD |
| Display |
13.3" Retina (2560×1600) |
13.3" Retina (2560×1600) |
| Battery Life |
Up to 15–18 hours |
Up to 17–20 hours |
| Ports |
2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Keyboard |
Magic Keyboard (scissor-switch) |
Magic Keyboard (scissor-switch) |
| Weight |
~2.8 lbs (1.29 kg) |
~3.0 lbs (1.4 kg) |
| Fan |
Fanless |
Active cooling (fan) |
| macOS Support |
Full support for macOS Sequoia and beyond |
Full support for macOS Sequoia and beyond |
| Starting Price* (2025) |
~$400+ (Refurb/Used) |
~$600+ (Refurb/Used) |
* Check UpTrade MacBook Pro and MacBook Air for the latest price.
✅ Why 2020 M1 Models Are Still Excellent in 2025:
- Still supported by the latest version of macOS (macOS 15 Sequoia) and likely for several more years.
- Great performance even in 2025 for tasks like browsing, video editing, coding, and more.
- Excellent battery life and no performance throttling.
- Reliable Magic Keyboard—no butterfly mechanism issues.
- Runs quietly and cool (especially the fanless MacBook Air).
If your budget allows, either of these models provides a premium MacBook experience without the risks and compromises of older Intel models.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy a 10-Year-Old MacBook?
While it’s true that many MacBooks can last a decade or more, we do not recommend buying a 10-year-old MacBook in 2025—especially if you’re looking for a device that’s secure, fast, and compatible with current software.
The oldest MacBook we recommend is the 2020 model with Apple’s M1 chip. It strikes the perfect balance of performance, battery life, macOS support, and reliability—without the keyboard failures and slowdowns of older Intel models.
If you're shopping for value and longevity, go with:
It may cost more than a 2015 or 2017 MacBook, but the experience will be night and day—and your future self will thank you.
FAQ: Buying Older MacBooks in 2025
1. Can a MacBook last 10 years?
Yes, many MacBooks can last 10 years or more with proper care. However, battery health, hardware limitations, and macOS support usually become significant concerns after 7–8 years.
2. Is it safe to buy a 10-year-old MacBook in 2025?
Not really. Most 2015 or older models no longer receive macOS updates, making them vulnerable to security issues and software incompatibility.
3. What’s the biggest issue with older MacBooks?
Aside from performance limitations, the butterfly keyboard (2015–2019 models) is a major concern due to its high failure rate and expensive repairs.
4. What’s the oldest MacBook worth buying in 2025?
The MacBook Air or Pro (2020) with the M1 chip is the oldest model we recommend. It’s fast, supported by Apple, and uses the reliable Magic Keyboard.
5. Should I buy a refurbished MacBook instead of used?
Yes. Refurbished MacBooks from certified sellers are tested, cleaned, and backed by warranties—making them a much safer investment than buying from individuals.
6. Where can I find the best refurbished MacBook deals?
Use UpTrade to compare real-time prices from certified resellers like Apple, BestBuy, and Amazon—all in one place.
