Why buy new iMac when my is working

Imac27-2012-27inch-uk wrote:

I am still using an iMac from 2012 that functions well, but the lack of macOS and app updates is making it harder to work with. I can no longer access important software or keep my device secure.

That Mac cannot be upgraded past Catalina.

Catalina is no longer one of the "most recent three" supported by vendors such as Microsoft and Adobe. It isn't eligible to run the current version of Safari (which requires Ventura or higher).

There are some applications that you could use to extend its useful life. These include

• The Firefox Web browser.
• The LibreOffice office suite
• The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP)
• The commercial Affinity V2 applications (Photo, Designer, Publisher)

Their current versions will run on Catalina – though I cannot say for how much longer.

I believe Apple should offer a way to keep these older Macs usable—whether by supporting newer OS versions for longer or by providing easier and more affordable upgrade paths.

That's not going to happen.

These devices still work perfectly fine and could serve many more years with minimal software support.

Not everyone can afford to buy a new device or qualify for financing. So my question is: how does Apple intend to prevent tech waste when it forces people to throw away fully functional machines simply because of software restrictions?

Apple is not forcing you to throw away a "fully functional" machine.

Why should I be pushed to buy a new computer if mine still works?

You are not forced to buy a new computer. However, that doesn't mean that your now close to 13-year-old Mac is going to be able to run all of the operating systems and newer applications available for more recent machines.

"Why buy new iMac when my is working"

I believe you answered your own question:

"the lack of macOS and app updates is making it harder to work with. I can no longer access important software or keep my device secure"

Apple offered free recycling. The majority of Apple's products are now made with a significant percentage of recycled materials.

Technology is constantly moving forward. If you think things are becoming obsolete quickly now, you should have been around in the 80's and 90's... Those 'software restrictions' you refer to are there because the old hardware you have simply isn't capable of doing what's necessary to keep up.

You are not talking to Apple, by the way. This is a user forum.

Software has always outpaced Hardware ever since the first computer and that is not going to change now or in the future. You can continue to use the computer with the software that was designed to work for it, but as software developers offer updates, it is their choice on what hardware they want to continue and support. The same is true for Mac OS where the features added will require hardware that may not be available on previous computers. Security is much more than software, where there is also Hardware added to the device, such as the T2 chip, Secure Enclave, AES encryption, and Silicon SOC. You can't simply buy a T2 chip and plug it into your computer.

You are dealing with technology that is not specific to computers. Cars are much safer with anti-lock brakes, side airbags, and object avoidance that you simply can't take your 2012 car to the dealer and have them added on, and certainly a Software Update is not going to add those either.

When you get to the point where you are going to upgrade your iMac consider the following: a 10 Core new Mac Mini M4 with 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD ($999 + tax) with a 27" LG 4k monitor ($250 + tax from Amazon.com)  is $1249 + tax which is $560 less than a similarly configured new 24" iMac ($1799 + tax)  re 07/2025. 

I just got a Mini M4 along with a 32" LG 4K monitor w/speakers for $429 less than a new iMac. I'm extremely pleased with the Mini.

Just some food for thought.

I have a 2011 MacBook Pro. I agree it would be great if Apple made computers that were upgradable (like they used to) or gave support to older Macs. But I also understand that the computer industry is one giant race to come out with everything newer and faster and better. I still use the MacBook every day. I have not upgraded the OS in probably 10 years and it cannot take almost any apps. In fact, come to think of it, when I go to Apple's own website most of the home page is blank. People like us who keep computers for 15 years are the outliers.

If your iMac is still working for you then keep using it. I will keep using my MacBook until the screen goes blank for the last time and then I will recycle it. You can go on Amazon right now and buy a base A16 iPad for $300 that will do more than your old iMac can. And then 5 years later go out and buy a new one. That is probably what I will do.

If you are happy with what you have, and it runs everything you want, keep using it.

Just note that it might not be the most secure, and be very careful doing things like banking. I do suggest using something like Firefox that might continue to get upgrades.

Imac27-2012-27inch-uk wrote:

Thanks will investigate how to install a chip.

That is the point. There was no concept of a T2 security chip in 2012, so of course they had no method where you could add one. Hardware is fixed at the time of manufacture and software can continue to evolve.

Re: “Thanks will investigate how to install a chip.”

You cannot buy the T2 chip to which he referred, and you could not plug it into your computer even if you could buy it.

Your 27” iMac does have user-accessible RAM slots, but you cannot upgrade the CPU or GPU, and upgrading internal drives would be a tricky job best left to a repair shop.

Note also that macOS 26 (Tahoe) supports only four Intel-based Macs.

[Edited by Moderator]

Imac27-2012-27inch-uk wrote:

Thanks will investigate how to install a chip.

You can't do that.

Hi,

Since I want to use Apple Intelligence which is required M1 Mac or later.

Now I'M using ChatGPT and Google AI, they are good enough, though.