Key Takeaways
- Intel Macs could develop into cheaper as a result of macOS Sequoia’s AI options solely work with Apple Silicon.
- Shopping for an Intel Mac means compromising on {hardware} and software program updates, efficiency, and battery life.
- Solely contemplate an Intel Mac for fundamental net shopping or particular software program wants with ample RAM, however refurbished M1 Macs supply higher worth.
With solely a small variety of older Macs getting the replace to macOS Sequoia, Apple’s Intel period is nearly over. That would imply the market will get flooded with used Intel Macs at their cheapest-ever costs. However are they even price shopping for anymore?
Why Will Intel Macs Get Cheaper?
Whereas macOS Sequoia can be accessible for some Intel Macs, the flagship AI options that come below the umbrella time period “Apple Intelligence” can be restricted to the M-series Macs.
It reduces Sequoia on Intel Macs to iPhone mirroring, a brand new password app, and a few pretty modest updates elsewhere.
So, for present Intel customers who’ve been eager about however are holding off on upgrading, this might be the tipping level. We might be about to see the marketplace for used and refurbished Macs flooded with machines that also have probably plenty of life left in them—and the extra there are, the larger the prospect you may have of snagging an excellent deal.
For those who’re searching for your first Mac and have been delay by the excessive costs, wish to add an affordable second laptop to your setup, or fancy getting a discount on a well-specced mannequin, this might be your time. However earlier than you flex that bank card, there is a catch: Intel Macs should not an excellent purchase anymore.
What You Lose if You Purchase an Intel Mac
Shopping for an Intel Mac in 2024 comes with a heap of compromises, past the truth that you will not get any of the flamboyant new AI options.
It is solely been a yr since Apple discontinued its final Intel machines, the Mac Mini and Mac Professional, however the firm hasn’t launched any new Intel Macs since 2020. Not solely is the {hardware} already 4 years previous, nevertheless it is not clear how for much longer Apple will help it.
Sequoia will nearly actually be the final replace for the ultimate era of the Intel-powered Mac Mini, Mac Professional, iMac Professional, and MacBook Air, and the penultimate era of the Intel MacBook Professional and iMac.
Will Apple nonetheless help the previous couple of MacBook Professionals and iMacs in 2025? It is too early to say, nevertheless it would not be a shock if it did not occur.
Once Apple cuts off support for full updates, it does sometimes proceed offering safety updates for a couple of extra years. Your gadget will not be fully out of date and can nonetheless be protected to make use of, however it should develop into more and more restricted over time.
Apps particularly typically want a minimal OS model to run, and the rising use of AI in apps means many will want the Neural Engine that is solely a function on Apple Silicon Macs.
After which there are the broader efficiency points to think about. The velocity and battery life enhancements delivered by the unique M1 chip over its Intel counterpart can’t be overstated, and the newer M3 and M4 now even go away that within the mud. Except you might have very modest necessities, it is onerous to make the case for Intel Macs now.
Is There Any Purpose to Purchase an Intel Mac?
Do not care about AI or new options, and do not want numerous energy? Then you definately would possibly nonetheless be tempted by an Intel Mac.
For those who stay principally in your net browser, you can decide up an affordable MacBook and use it in the identical method you’ll use a Chromebook or finances Home windows laptop computer, and profit from the higher design and construct high quality.
Or should you do not want cutting-edge options however do want numerous reminiscence to run particular software program easily, you would possibly be capable to discover a specced-out machine—with an i7 or i9 processor and 32GB of RAM—at a very good value. There are many apps the place extra RAM offers you higher bang-for-buck efficiency. Given the excessive value of Apple’s reminiscence upgrades, it is price contemplating—however provided that the worth is low sufficient.
All issues thought-about, an Intel Mac doesn’t make for an excellent purchase at present. If you wish to get monetary savings, you would be higher off picking up a refurbished M1 Mac, which can be quicker, have higher battery life, and be supported for longer by each Apple and third-party builders.
The primary exception could be should you solely want a pc for fundamental net shopping and do not want any extra superior options, or maybe should you want plenty of reminiscence. However even then, the worth must be proper.
