2012 MacBook Pro Durability and Future: Will It Last Until macOS Big Sur?

When considering the longevity of your 2012 MacBook Pro, the first thing to acknowledge is the battery. Naturally, after eight years, the battery will start to degrade, which is a common occurrence for any electronic device. However, the overall lifespan of the computer is more than just the battery. You should consider the following points:

Apple’s Support Timeline and Future Innovations

Apple continues to support its products for many years, with regular macOS upgrades available. The most recent update was Catalina, and the next one will be macOS Big Sur. Unfortunately, your 2012 MacBook Pro will not receive support for these updates. Apple ensures constant security updates and protection against viruses, but you will not receive future enhancements or developments that could improve your computing experience.

Additionally, it's important to note that in the next two years, Apple will be developing its own custom chips. This means that Macs featuring Intel chips will become obsolete. Apple plans to release the first of these new computers by the end of this year or early next year. This could be a significant shift in technology, and it might be time to consider a change.

Performance and Maintenance

Your 2012 MacBook Pro can certainly last beyond the time when the technology passes it by. However, it will reach a point where you can no longer upgrade to Big Sur or any macOS versions beyond that. Despite this, one user has reported that their similarly-aged MacBook still works fine and could last another five years or more.

The real concern regarding the longevity of your MacBook Pro is partly due to planned obsolescence. Eventually, you will reach a point where you can no longer upgrade to any recent system versions, or the latest applications will demand more processing power and RAM than your current setup can provide. However, for many users, this is not a significant issue. If you mainly use your MacBook for browsing the internet, email, basic document editing, and other simple tasks, your 2012 MacBook Pro should suffice for years to come.

Predicting Future Trends in Computing

A seven-year-old MacPlus might have been hopelessly outdated in 1991, but barring catastrophic hardware failures, your MacBooks could perform well for many more years. Eventually, you will reach a point where you can no longer get parts for your machine or find someone to repair it. All machines have a lifespan, but with luck, you can use your 2012 MacBook Pro for several more years before needing to consider a replacement.

Given the rapid advancements in technology, you may decide to purchase a new device when the latest and greatest features attract you and when you feel financially prepared. However, it could be a shift towards a different form factor—such as a tablet or even a phone. The latest iPad Air, for instance, looks very attractive and relatively affordable, presenting a viable alternative for many users' computing needs.

In conclusion, while your 2012 MacBook Pro might not support the latest macOS updates, it can still provide reliable service for years to come. The decision to upgrade ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. As always, keep an eye on advancements in technology, as it may lead to new and exciting opportunities in the near future.