A MacBook® is engineered to last for years, and that durability is one of its biggest selling points. Eventually, though, even a superior computer reaches a point where it makes more sense to replace it with a newer model. Here’s how to know your Apple® device is declining beyond the reach of simple repairs.

When Should You Purchase a New MacBook?

1. Speeds Are Constantly Slow

Older MacBook models often slow down due to lack of space, dated software, and parts that are past their prime. If yours is sluggish, determine which apps are using the most energy by going to Go > Utilities > Activity Monitor. You’ll see all of the active apps and processes running under the CPU tab.

If you’re constantly closing apps to increase speeds, it’s likely a hardware and storage issue. New Apple devices have superior CPU components with greater speeds, so you can run all the programs you need simultaneously.

2. You Can’t Upgrade Your OS

Apple regularly releases new, free operating systems for Apple devices. These include security updates, streamlined functionality, and many other upgrades that improve user experience. The newest macOS®, Big Sur, isn’t compatible with older MacBook models because they don’t have the necessary components.

Big Sur is only compatible with 2015 or later MacBook models and 2013 or later MacBook Air® and MacBook Pro® machines. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner to see what OS you have and what the model of your Apple device is. If you can’t download Big Sur under Software Update, it’s time to replace your device for the ultimate performance.

3. You’re Out of Space

Your MacBook requires hard drive space to store many types of files. There are working files—such as text documents—temporary files for real-time operations, and software files. If you’re constantly short on space, consider upgrading, so you don’t have to delete your media or deal with slow speeds.

Go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage. This will show you how much hard drive space is left as well as a breakdown of what’s taking up the most space.

If you’re ready to browse new and used Apple devices, turn to Experimax King of Prussia, located across from The Cheesecake Factory® at the KoP mall in the same shopping center as Panera Bread®. Serving the Greater Philadelphia, PA, area, these professionals service the iPhone®, iPad®, MacBook, and iMac®. They also carry computer upgrades and used Mac models, which you can explore on their website. Call (610) 265-3174 to speak with a technician about your current Mac computer’s performance and what you want in a new machine.