Things are moving fast. I am 83 and actually have no need of 99% of the new features (ie. AI). Am running Sequoia 15.5.
What is your best guess on how long before I am forced to buy a new iMAC??
Chuck
iMAC Info:
Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019
Processor 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Intel
Core i3
Graphics
Radeon Pro 555X 2 GB
Memory 16 GB 2400 MHz DDR4
—–
Chuck Hofstetter
You are never "forced" to buy a new Mac. You can keep using your Mac as long as you like. But let's take a closer look...
Macs usually can install the latest version of macOS for about 7 years after the model year (2019 in your case). See https://macmost.com/how-many-years-should-a-new-mac-last.html
For the 2019 iMac, it will be below that with macOS Sequoia being the last version it can install. So that's September 2025 - March 2019 = 6.5 years. Not bad considering it spans a major change in Mac hardware with Apple Silicon taking over from Intel processors in 2020.
Even after it can no longer get the latest version of macOS, you'll still get important security updates for another 1-2 years. So if security is your main concern you have more time. But even after that, as long as you practice good security and don't download things from companies or sites you don't completely trust, you shouldn't run into any problems.
Now after some more time passes, you may find that some app you are using has a new version that is no longer supported on your older Mac or using the older version of macOS that you have installed. Hard to say if that will be an issue for you. You may even find that as your browser gets older, some sites may not work anymore as they require newer browser features. And then those newer browsers require newer Mac hardware or a macOS version. But you can aways wait for a while and see how that goes if you really are concerned about your budget.
On the other hand, I often hear from people that previously thought "I have no need of the new feature" only to find out that they had been missing out on some feature for years that would have made their life better if they had been using it. It doesn't have to be some big feature that Apple promoted in commercials. It can be something simple like continuity camera, live text, tab groups, tags in Notes, keep downloaded in iCloud Drive, etc. I hear from people all the time that some little change was a big deal for them. Are you going to be missing out by not updating?
MacMost's mission is to "Get the most from your Mac." Sticking with older Mac hardware and operating systems is definitely not doing that. I'm about embracing the latest technology. New things can be fun and exciting. I treat it like an adventure.
You mention your age right at the start of your question. I don't believe that's a valid reason for not wanting to explore new features. On the contrary, at 83 you are more likely to be retired and have more time to enjoy exploring new things. And to look for opportunities to learn new things too. I want to encourage people to fight against the "I am too old to learn new things" attitude and take advantage of the extra time and patience you have at this age.
For more on this, by friend Leo Notenboom has some great posts and videos. See https://askleo.com/21956
Gary! You are the greatest! Gave me a whole new perspective. Watched Leo's Vid. Again a new perspective. Since I am somewhat physically limited and have much more time to be at the computer I think I'll give myself a Xmas present with one of my SS checks this year. Thanks a10^6. Chuck
I'm also 83 and have a 2019 27" Mac. When the time comes to replace it can I buy an Apple Studio and use my old Mac as a monitor? Since they no longing are making the 27". Or is this a bad idea? Thanks Gary.
Roger: Not really, no. See https://macmost.com/why-you-probably-cant-use-your-old-imac-as-a-display.html
Not quite as old as Chuck but I also have been thinking along these lines so the topic and comments have been very enlightening. Thanks to all contributors
Hi Gary, your comments spot-on! I'm 78. My iMac was starting to slow down, spoke to Apple and decided to buy a new iMac with the maximum of everything! My iMac is now the centre of everything I do. The whole house is all Apple equipment. I use it for so many things with all the new features and I would recommend anyone, as you say, to keep up-to-date with the technology. It is quite liberating for someone our age. Forget TV, this is much better! Agree with you wholeheartedly. Thanks Gary superb!