Macs have a well-earned reputation for longevity. Many users proudly keep their devices running for 8 or even 10 years. But just because your Mac powers on doesn’t mean it’s still safe to use. Over time, older models lose access to the latest operating systems, which leaves them increasingly vulnerable to security threats, software incompatibility, and online privacy risks.
This creates an emotional dilemma for users. You might love your older Mac. It still works, after all. But can you trust it with sensitive tasks like banking, emailing, or storing personal documents? Unfortunately, using an unsupported Mac carries real-world consequences, especially in today’s threat-heavy internet landscape.
Apple typically supports each macOS version with security updates for around two to three years after its release. Once that support ends, vulnerabilities that arise are no longer patched. That means any bugs or flaws discovered after that date are free for attackers to exploit indefinitely.
This includes:
Here’s a look at the current status of recent macOS versions:
| macOS Version | Released | Security Support Ended? | Notes |
| macOS Catalina | 2019 | Yes (2022) | Unsupported and unsafe |
| macOS Big Sur | 2020 | Yes (2024) | No longer receiving patches |
| macOS Monterey | 2021 | No | Likely ends in 2025 |
| macOS Ventura | 2022 | No | Still supported |
| macOS Sonoma | 2023 | No | Latest version, fully supported |
If your Mac is stuck on Catalina or earlier, you’re likely using an insecure system.
As Apple’s software evolves, its security capabilities increasingly rely on modern hardware components that older Macs simply don’t have. These features are critical because they provide foundational protections at the hardware level that software alone cannot replicate.
Many older Macs lack:
These technologies work together to defend against increasingly sophisticated threats. Without them, older Macs are at a much higher risk even if they’re running the newest OS version they can handle.
Software developers constantly evolve their apps to include new features, meet security standards, and stay compatible with modern platforms. Supporting outdated operating systems becomes time-consuming and costly, especially as usage drops.
That’s why many essential tools—including Chrome, Firefox, Zoom, Microsoft Office, Dropbox, and Adobe apps—phase out support for older macOS versions.
This leads to several issues:
Eventually, your Mac becomes a digital island, cut off from the broader ecosystem and increasingly exposed to risk.
Apple’s product lifecycle includes several key milestones for both hardware and software support.
Here is a revised timeline of recent Mac models and their support status:
| Mac Model | Release Year | Last Compatible macOS | Status |
| iMac (2013) | 2013 | macOS Catalina | Obsolete and unsafe |
| MacBook Pro (2015) | 2015 | macOS Monterey | May be vulnerable |
| iMac (2017) | 2017 | macOS Ventura | Likely to lose support soon |
| Mac mini (2018) | 2018 | macOS Ventura | Still supported |
| MacBook Air (2020) | 2020 | macOS Sonoma | Fully supported |
| MacBook Pro (2023) | 2023 | macOS Sonoma | Fully supported |
The newer your Mac, the longer you’ll continue receiving both software and security support.
Visit System Settings > General > Software Update to see if new versions are available. If your Mac is stuck on an older OS and cannot upgrade, you’re likely outside of Apple’s support window. Keep in mind that “Your Mac is up to date” might just mean “up to date for your model,” not the newest version overall.
Apple publishes security updates at support.apple.com. If your macOS version no longer appears on this list, it’s no longer receiving patches. That means any vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, leaving you exposed.
If apps like Safari won’t load secure websites or Chrome says it can’t update, your operating system is likely too old. Office apps might stop syncing to the cloud or warn that your system is out of date. These are all red flags that your Mac’s ecosystem is beginning to fail.
In some cases, the system itself starts to break down:
These can all indicate that your Mac is no longer a reliable or safe option.
Update to the most recent version of macOS available for your device. Apple provides legacy installers if you need to manually download an older OS. Third-party patching tools like OpenCore Legacy Patcher may allow unsupported Macs to run newer macOS versions, but these tools often require technical expertise, are not officially endorsed by Apple, and may introduce system instability or break future updates.
A reputable antivirus is essential if your Mac is no longer receiving Apple security patches. Intego is specifically designed for macOS and continues to support older versions like Catalina and Big Sur.
Intego’s features include:
Millions of Mac users trust Intego and it is one of the few vendors still committed to supporting legacy Apple systems.
Get Intego for your Mac computer today.
To harden your Mac against threats:
Until you can replace your Mac, avoid activities that involve sensitive information:
Treat the device like a semi-retired tool, not your main hub for critical data.
You should seriously consider replacing your Mac if:
Old Macs can sometimes be repurposed:
Apple’s trade-in program may offer credit for eligible devices, or they’ll recycle it for free.
Before retiring your Mac, make sure to back up all essential data. You can use:
Confirm that the backups are complete and accessible from another device.
To prevent data theft, fully erase your Mac’s contents:
This ensures your personal data is unrecoverable before donating or recycling.
After erasing your Mac:
Ensure any donation recipient understands the device’s limitations and support status.
Is it safe to use an old Mac in 2025?
It can be, but only under the right circumstances. You’re likely okay if your Mac is still receiving security updates and running a supported macOS version. If not, you need antivirus protection like Intego and should avoid sensitive activities such as online banking or logging into important accounts.
How do I check if my Mac is no longer supported?
Open Software Update in System Settings to see what macOS versions are available. If your Mac is stuck on Monterey, Big Sur, or earlier, check Apple’s compatibility list to confirm whether support has ended. You can also look up your Mac model’s release year and last supported OS.
Does Intego work on older Macs?
Yes. Intego supports a wide range of older macOS versions, including Catalina, Mojave, and even High Sierra in some cases. Its tools are optimized for Mac, offering powerful protection even when Apple has stopped patching the operating system.
What risks come with using an outdated Mac?
Outdated Macs are vulnerable to malware, phishing attacks, and exploits that take advantage of unpatched software. Incompatible apps may stop functioning or expose you to data loss. You may also face trouble connecting to websites or syncing files with modern services.
What’s the difference between a vintage and an obsolete Mac?
A vintage Mac is 5 to 7 years old and may still qualify for some hardware service from Apple. An obsolete Mac is more than 7 years old. Apple no longer offers hardware or software support, which means no repairs, updates, or security patches.
