Introduction
As Apple releases macOS 26, the operating system that will power MacBooks through 2026, many users are wondering: “Will my MacBook stop working?”
While older MacBooks may continue booting and running basic apps, the real question is whether they will still receive macOS updates, feature upgrades, and security patches—all of which determine how long a MacBook remains safe, fast, and compatible with modern software.
For anyone shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished MacBook, or evaluating whether it’s time to upgrade, understanding which models lose support in 2026 is essential. Apple’s OS support cycle is predictable, and macOS 26 finally gives us a clear picture of which MacBooks are reaching the end of their usable life.
This guide breaks everything down in a simple, consumer-friendly way—so you can avoid buying a model that’s about to become obsolete.
Clarification
Before diving into lists of supported and unsupported models, it’s important to clarify what “stop working” really means.
A MacBook rarely becomes truly unusable the moment Apple drops support—but it does lose:
- Major OS upgrades
- App compatibility over time
- Safari and browser security updates
- Critical security patches
- Hardware-level feature improvements
- Compatibility with new software frameworks
- Potential access to iCloud features or Apple services
So when we say a MacBook will “stop working in 2026,” we mean:
It will no longer receive macOS upgrades or essential security updates—making it risky or impractical to use.
This is especially important for shoppers comparing Certified Used or Refurbished MacBooks, because choosing a model that’s losing support in 2026 significantly shortens its remaining lifespan.
How macOS Update Works
Apple follows a predictable software support cycle for macOS that directly impacts how long a MacBook remains secure, compatible, and fully functional. Understanding this cycle is essential—especially if you are buying a Certified Used or Refurbished MacBook in 2025 or planning ahead for 2026.
1. Annual Major macOS Release
Apple releases a new version of macOS every year (macOS 14, macOS 15, now macOS 26). BTW, Apple jumped the numbering from 15 to 26 this year to make it universal for all Apple OS (e.g. iOS 26, iPadOS 26). It’s also easier for users to remember, because Version 26 is planned for 2026. Personally, I really like this new numbering because of its simplicity.
A MacBook must meet Apple’s hardware requirements to install the latest OS. If it doesn’t support the new release, it immediately enters “legacy” status.
2. Feature Updates for 1 Year
Each major macOS version receives additional features and enhancements for about one year, until the next version is released. Devices supported by the newest macOS get:
- New system features
- UI improvements
- Performance upgrades
- Compatibility with new Apple frameworks
Older devices that miss the upgrade lose out on these improvements.
3. Security Updates for 2–3 More Years
After a MacBook stops receiving the newest macOS version, Apple typically continues releasing security patches for the previous macOS versions—usually up to three total supported versions (current + two prior).
This keeps older MacBooks safe from major vulnerabilities, even without new system features.
4. End of Life: No More Security Updates
When Apple stops providing security updates, the MacBook is officially End of Life (EOL). This is when risks increase:
- Browsers stop updating
- Apps become incompatible
- Security threats increase
- Online banking and secure sites may block older macOS
- Performance degradation becomes noticeable
This is when a MacBook is effectively considered to have “stopped working” for modern use.
When macOS Support Ends
Apple’s macOS support lifecycle follows a predictable pattern, and understanding it helps you determine when a MacBook is truly nearing the end of its usable life. A MacBook is considered “supported” as long as it receives at least:
- The latest macOS version OR
- Ongoing security updates
Once both end, the device becomes functionally obsolete.
Stage 1: No Longer Supports the Latest macOS + Limited Security Updates
When a MacBook cannot upgrade to the newest release (in this case, macOS 26), it enters a combined phase of:
- Missing new macOS features
- Missing performance and battery optimizations
- Receiving only security patches for 1–2 more years
In this stage, the MacBook still works, but it begins showing limitations:
- Slower Safari performance
- Reduced app compatibility (especially pro apps like Adobe, Final Cut, Logic, etc.)
- Newer accessories or software may not be supported
- Some iCloud and ecosystem features may not function fully
- Hardware-level improvements from newer macOS versions are unavailable
This “limited support” stage is the warning sign that the device is beginning its end-of-life journey.
Stage 2: Security Updates Stop — Fully End of Life
Once Apple stops releasing security updates for the macOS version your MacBook is stuck on, the device becomes officially obsolete for modern use.
This is when the MacBook effectively “stops working” from a practical standpoint:
- Safari stops supporting modern websites
- Chrome and Firefox stop updating
- Banking and secure sites may block your device
- App developers discontinue support
- Increasing security vulnerabilities
- iCloud and ecosystem services may malfunction
- Some apps (Messages, Photos, etc.) may break or behave unpredictably
At this point, upgrading is no longer optional—it’s necessary to stay safe, compatible, and productive.
Recent macOS Versions & macOS 26
With the release of macOS 26 (macOS Tahoe), Apple now maintains multiple macOS versions at the same time—each receiving different levels of support. Understanding which versions still get updates today helps you see where your MacBook stands in Apple’s lifecycle.
As of late 2025, these macOS versions are actively receiving updates:
Supported macOS Versions (as of November 2025)
| Major Version |
Last Version Number |
Last Update |
| macOS Tahoe (Latest – macOS 26) |
macOS Tahoe 26.1 |
3 Nov 2025 |
| macOS Sequoia (macOS 15) |
macOS Sequoia 15.7.2 |
3 Nov 2025 |
| macOS Sonoma (macOS 14) |
macOS Sonoma 14.8.2 |
3 Nov 2025 |
| macOS Ventura (macOS 13) |
macOS Ventura 13.7.8 |
20 Aug 2025 |
These versions represent the currently supported OS family:
- macOS Tahoe (26) — Full feature updates + security updates
- macOS Sequoia (15) — No new features, receives security updates
- macOS Sonoma (14) — Security patches only
- macOS Ventura (13) — Expected to reach end of security support soon
Everything older than macOS Ventura has already entered end-of-life, meaning no security updates and rapidly declining app support.
With macOS 26 setting the new baseline for 2026, any MacBook unable to install it—or even unable to stay within the supported versions listed above—is at immediate risk of becoming obsolete.
🚫 List of MacBook Models That Are End of Life
With the release of macOS 26, Apple has officially shifted its support window forward, and all MacBook models from 2017 or earlier are now considered End of Life (EOL). These models can no longer install newer macOS versions and have lost security update eligibility, making them risky to use for work, school, or even basic web browsing.
Older apps, browsers, and iCloud services may also stop functioning reliably on these machines.
Below is a complete list of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models that are fully obsolete going into 2026:
🚫 MacBook Air — End of Life Models
All MacBook Air models released 2017 or earlier, including:
- MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015)
- MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015)
- MacBook Air (11-inch, 2014 and earlier)
- MacBook Air (13-inch, 2014 and earlier)
These models cannot run macOS Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, or macOS 26, and no longer receive security updates.
🚫 MacBook Pro — End of Life Models
All MacBook Pro models released 2017 or earlier, including:
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017 – Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017 – Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 2015 and earlier)
- MacBook Pro (2012–2014 non-Retina models)
These devices are now fully unsupported, meaning:
- No macOS upgrades
- No security patches
- No modern browser updates
- High risk when performing secure or online transactions
- Increasing app incompatibility
🚫 12-inch MacBook — All Models End of Life
The 12-inch MacBook (also called the Retina MacBook, officially marketed as the new MacBook) is a discontinued Mac laptop made by Apple, which sat between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in Apple's laptop lineup.
The 12-inch MacBook line (2015–2017) is also fully EOL.
It stopped receiving major updates years ago and now no longer receives security updates.
These models may still boot and run simple apps, but they are no longer safe or viable for modern use. Anyone using or considering a Refurbished or Certified Used MacBook should avoid all models from 2017 or older.
⚠️ List of Models That Still Receive Security Updates but Don’t Support macOS 26
With the release of macOS 26, Apple has drawn a clear line between MacBooks that are fully supported and those entering the “limited support” phase.
This means there is a middle group of MacBooks that:
- Cannot install macOS 26
- Still receive security updates (macOS Sequoia, Sonoma, or Ventura)
- Will become End of Life within the next 1–2 years
These models are still usable today, but their long-term support is limited. If you’re buying a Certified Used or Refurbished MacBook, these models offer short-term value but are not ideal for future-proofing. This includes models such as:
⚠️ MacBook Air (Intel-Based Models, 2018–2020)
Still receiving security updates but no macOS 26 support.
- MacBook Air (13-inch, 2020 — Intel model)
- MacBook Air (13-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Air (13-inch, 2018)
⚠️ MacBook Pro (Intel-Based Models, 2018–2020)
Still supported by security patches but excluded from macOS 26.
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020 — Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019 — Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019 — Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
These machines remain functional and secure for now, but they are on the last leg of Apple’s support timeline. Most will lose security update eligibility soon after macOS 27 is released.
✅ List of Models That Receive Security Updates and Support macOS 26
These MacBook models offer the highest level of longevity going into 2026 and beyond. They can install macOS 26, receive ongoing feature updates, and will continue receiving security patches for years.
If you're shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished MacBook, these are the models that deliver the best balance of value, performance, and long-term support.
MacBook Air (Apple Silicon)
All MacBook Air models with Apple chipsets support macOS 26:
- MacBook Air (M1)
- MacBook Air (M2)
- MacBook Air (M3)
- MacBook Air (M4)
MacBook Pro (Apple Silicon)
All MacBook Pro models with Apple chipsets are fully compatible with macOS 26:
- MacBook Pro (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max)
- MacBook Pro (M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max)
- MacBook Pro (M3, M3 Pro, M3 Max)
- MacBook Pro (M4, M4 Pro, M4 Max)
- MacBook Pro (M5)
Intel MacBook Models That Still Support macOS 26
These are the only Intel MacBook models that support macOS 26:
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020 — Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Any MacBook on this list is a safe buy in 2025–2026 and offers:
- Full macOS 26 compatibility
- Ongoing security updates
- Strong long-term app support
- Modern Apple ecosystem functionality
These are the models you want if you’re looking for a future-proof Certified Used or Refurbished MacBook.
Recommendation
If you want a MacBook that will stay fast, secure, and fully supported through 2026 and beyond, the rule is simple:
Best Overall Picks (2025–2026)
For most shoppers looking for the best balance of price, performance, and long-term support, these two models are the clear winners:
Both models deliver the best value in Apple’s entire MacBook lineup and receive:
- macOS 26 feature updates
- Ongoing security support
- Full compatibility with all modern apps
- Excellent battery life and long-term usability
What to Avoid
- Skip 2017 and older MacBook models—they are End of Life.
- Avoid Intel models from 2018–2020 unless you only need short-term use, since they won’t support macOS 26.
Bottom Line
If you're upgrading or shopping Certified Used / Refurbished, the M1 MacBook Air and M1 MacBook Pro are your smartest, most future-proof choices at the best prices.
