How Long Will the 2016 12-inch Retina MacBook Continue to Be Supported and Usable in 2023?

Apple typically provides software updates for its devices for around five to seven years after their release. The 2016 12-inch Retina MacBook, which was released in April 2016, is no exception. Based on Apple’s historical support patterns, you can expect that the device will continue to receive macOS updates until around 2023 or 2024. However, the exact timeline can vary based on Apple’s policies and the specific hardware capabilities of the device.

Usability Beyond Official Support Period

While the 2016 MacBook may no longer receive official software updates, it can continue to be functional beyond its official support period. Many users find that their devices remain usable for several years after the last official update, depending on their needs and the applications they run. Factors that influence usability include:

Performance: As software becomes more demanding, older hardware may struggle to keep up. The 2016 MacBook has limited RAM and processing power compared to newer models, which may affect performance with resource-intensive applications. Security: Once a device is no longer receiving updates, it becomes more vulnerable to security risks. This is a crucial consideration for users handling sensitive information. Compatibility: Over time, newer applications may not support older macOS versions, which can limit functionality.

In summary, while official support can be expected to continue until around 2023 or 2024, the MacBook may still be usable for several years after that, though with potential limitations in performance and security.

Upgrading and Lifespan Expectations

Especially when it comes to the 2016 12-inch Retina MacBook, it's important to note that this device is now over 5 years old. As such, it can no longer be serviced at an Apple Store. While it can still be upgraded to Monterey, this model was the earliest MacBook supported, and there is a significant doubt that it will be supported with macOS 14. According to Apple’s own guidelines, the device will still be supported with security updates for two years.

The top model of the 2016 12-inch Retina MacBook was the Core m7 model, which featured two cores and a clock speed of 1.3 GHz. The Geekbench 5 score for this model was 1417 multicore, and it shipped with 8GB of RAM, which may be considered rather modest for an Intel-based machine by today's standards. Given other machines available today, many would argue that this machine is not very usable in 2023.

User Perspectives on Lifespan

Apple supports its computers with upgrades to the operating system for 5–7 years and provides hardware service for 8–10 years. Sometimes this can extend even longer. However, how long a device remains usable is entirely dependent on how it is used.

Many users typically replace their laptops every 4 to 5 years, but it's not unheard of to see people using the same laptop for as long as 9 years. In general, the usable lifespan of an Apple laptop is considered to be 3–5 years. After this period, the device may start to become "sluggish," as newer versions of the operating system are optimized for newer hardware.

The 2016 12-inch Retina MacBook, while still functional, may not be the most efficient or secure option moving forward. However, its longevity and adaptability make it a viable solution for users who prioritize reliability and affordability, at least until the end of its formal support window.