I've got a 27-inch Retina 5K iMac from mid-2015 running Big Sur 11.7.10. I'm worried that my computer won't get any more updates, and I might be forced to buy a new one. Is my iMac too old to keep using, or are there options to extend its life?
5 Answers
Yeah, support fades over time, especially after a decade. It's common for software to drop support for older hardware to take advantage of new features. Your best bets are to either upgrade to a new machine or try installing a different OS like Windows or Linux since your Mac is Intel-based. You’ll find that quite a few people are making the switch!
If you’re tech-savvy, you might want to try the OpenCore Legacy Patcher. It lets you unofficially install newer macOS versions on your older machine. I've had success with it on my 2015 MacBook Pro!
Installing Linux Mint or Windows 10 LTSC IoT can make your iMac feel like new again. With the right OS, your system could have many more years left!
Old Macs can still be useful! Your 2015 model can run Linux like Ubuntu or Pop! OS, which can breathe new life into it. If you're looking for something more modern at a decent price, I’ve noticed that 2020 M1 models are going for pretty cheap, and they’ll stay supported for a while. You could also consider a budget Mac Mini with solid specs, which can do a lot!
I just updated a 2013 iMac to newer macOS versions and it's running great! You might have more options than you think. Just be sure to do some research on how to install them.

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