Is My Old Mac Worth Keeping?
When to Keep It, When to Replace It — and What It Costs to Make the Switch
Find Your Mac Below — It Takes 30 Seconds
Apple stops issuing security updates for older Macs — and most people don't know until something goes wrong. If your Mac can't run one of Apple's three most recent operating systems, it's receiving no protection at all from newly discovered threats. Chrome may have already stopped updating on it. Online banking, NHS services, and government websites may no longer work correctly.
Use the table below to find your model. The A-number printed on the underside of your Mac is the quickest way to identify it exactly — or click the blue help panel below for three other ways to find it.
If it's time to move on, migration and full data transfer is a flat £150. Rarely more. Never hidden.
Mac Security & Replacement Guide: 2010 to 2020 Models
How to Find Your Mac Model Number
Four ways to find your Mac's A-number or model:
- Look on the bottom of your Mac. The A-number (e.g. A1466) is printed in small text on the underside. It's the fastest way.
- Click the Apple logo > About This Mac. You'll see the model name and year (e.g. "MacBook Air (2017)") — that's enough to find your row in the table.
- About This Mac > System Report. Look for "Model Identifier" — it shows something like
MacBookAir9,1. If you're not sure what that maps to, just call me and I'll tell you in 30 seconds. - Check the original box or receipt. The full model name and year are usually printed on the box label.
Not sure after trying these? Call Neville on 01273 985310 — it takes less than a minute to identify your Mac over the phone.
| Mac & Year | Model ID (A-number) | Max macOS | Security updates | Chrome | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air 2010–2011 | A1370, A1369 | High Sierra (10.13) | ✗ No | ✗ No | Replace now |
| 2012 | A1465, A1466 | Catalina (10.15) | ✗ No | ⚠ Limited | Replace now |
| 2013–2014 | A1465, A1466 | Big Sur (11) | ✗ No | ⚠ Limited | Replace now |
| 2015 | A1466 | Monterey (12) | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | Replace soon |
| 2017 | A1466 | Monterey (12) | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | Replace soon |
| 2018–2019 | A1932 | Latest macOS | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Safe to use |
| 2020 Intel | A2179 | Latest macOS | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Safe to use |
| 2020 M1 | A2337 | Latest macOS | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Safe to use |
| MacBook Pro 2010–2011 | A1278, A1286 | High Sierra (10.13) | ✗ No | ✗ No | Replace now |
| 2012 | A1278, A1398, A1425 | Catalina (10.15) | ✗ No | ⚠ Limited | Replace now |
| 2013–2014 | A1502, A1398 | Big Sur (11) | ✗ No | ⚠ Limited | Replace now |
| 2015 | A1502, A1398 | Monterey (12) | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | Replace soon |
| 2016–2017 | A1706, A1707, A1708 | Ventura (13) | ⚠ Getting patches | ✓ Yes | Safe for now |
| 2018–2019 | A1989, A2141 | Latest macOS | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Safe to use |
| 2020 | A2289, A2338 | Latest macOS | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Safe to use |
| iMac 2010–2011 | A1311, A1312 | High Sierra (10.13) | ✗ No | ✗ No | Replace now |
| 2012–2013 | A1418, A1419 | Catalina (10.15) | ✗ No | ⚠ Limited | Replace now |
| 2014–2015 | A1418, A1419 | Monterey (12) | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | Replace soon |
| 2017 | A1418, A1419 | Ventura (13) | ⚠ Getting patches | ✓ Yes | Safe for now |
| 2019–2020 | A2116, A2115 | Latest macOS | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Safe to use |
| Mac mini 2010–2011 | A1347 | High Sierra (10.13) | ✗ No | ✗ No | Replace now |
| 2012 | A1347 | Catalina (10.15) | ✗ No | ⚠ Limited | Replace now |
| 2014 | A1347 | Catalina (10.15) | ✗ No | ⚠ Limited | Replace now |
| 2018 | A1993 | Latest macOS | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Safe to use |
| 2020 M1 | A2348 | Latest macOS | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Safe to use |
Table covers the most common consumer Mac models. Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and later, sold from late 2020) are all fully supported. Data based on Apple's published compatibility lists — correct as of March 2026.
About the "Safe for now" row (2016–2017 Macs on Ventura)
Macs running macOS Ventura are still receiving Apple security patches — so they're not in immediate danger. Chrome works, most websites load correctly, and day-to-day use is fine. The amber rating reflects that Ventura is the oldest macOS still in Apple's supported window, and that window will close. These machines have a year or two of useful life left, not days. If you're in this group, it's worth thinking ahead — but there's no panic.
Mac replacement guide
Common Questions About Replacing an Old Mac
How do I know if my Mac is still getting security updates?
Apple only patches the three most current versions of macOS. If your Mac can't run one of those, it receives no security protection at all — no matter how fast it feels or how well it seems to work. The table above shows exactly where every Mac model from 2010 to 2020 stands. If you're unsure which row applies to you, just call me on 01273 985310.
Chrome says my Mac isn't supported — is that a big problem?
Yes, it's a real problem. Google Chrome stopped supporting older versions of macOS a couple of years ago, and other browsers have followed. When Chrome stops updating, you lose security fixes for the browser itself — and some sites (including many banking and government sites) may refuse to load or stop working properly. It's not just about Chrome; it's a sign that the whole system is falling out of date.
My Mac feels fine. Does it really need replacing?
Speed isn't the issue — security is. A Mac that runs smoothly but can't receive Apple security updates is still vulnerable. Think of it like a house with a broken lock: it might look perfectly fine, but it's not safe. If your Mac is in the 'Replace now' band, I'd act on it soon — especially if you do online banking or store personal photos. 'Replace soon' Macs are in a similar position but still usable day-to-day; the risk is lower but it's heading the same direction. Either way, I'll give you an honest read when you call.
What does the £150 migration actually include?
Everything you need to feel at home on your new Mac from day one. I transfer your files, photos, documents, and settings. I help you get iCloud set up properly. I do an app audit — letting you know which of your old apps still work and which need to be replaced. I configure the new machine so it behaves the way you're used to. The flat £150 covers all of that. It rarely costs more. I'll tell you upfront if your situation is unusual. You can read more about the migration service on the Mac Migration Helper page.
I've got an old Mac in a cupboard with data on it — can you help?
Yes, this is more common than you'd think. People upgrade and then worry about old photos, documents, or emails sitting on a machine they no longer use. Even if the Mac doesn't turn on reliably, I can usually recover the data from the drive. Give me a call on 01273 985310 and describe what you've got — I'll tell you honestly whether it's worth attempting and what it's likely to cost.
Should I buy new or refurbished?
Both can be good options, depending on your budget. Refurbished Macs from Apple's own refurbished store or reputable resellers can offer real value — especially MacBook Airs and Mac minis from 2020 onwards with Apple Silicon (M1 or later). I don't sell Macs myself, but I'm happy to advise on what spec makes sense for how you work, and whether a specific model you've found is worth buying. Just call or drop me a message.
Ready to Talk It Through? No Pressure, Just Honest Advice.
I'll tell you what I honestly think — whether that's "keep it going a bit longer" or "time to move on." No sales pitch, no upsell.
Still not sure? Call Neville on 01273 985310
— I'm based in Ringmer, East Sussex, and I answer my own phone.Also useful: Mac Migration Helper — find the right cables and adapters for moving your data.