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Apple @ Work: The M1 MacBook Air has the longest usable lifespan of any Apple laptop in history
9to5Mac • • technology
Key Points:
- The M1 MacBook Air, released in November 2020, has significantly extended the typical laptop lifecycle, remaining highly functional and reliable even after five and a half years, unlike previous Intel-era Macs which were usually retired after 3-4 years.
- Key factors contributing to the M1 MacBook Air's longevity include its fanless design, durable keyboard, and good battery life, allowing it to serve effectively as a loaner or spare device in enterprise environments.
- Apple continues to support the M1 MacBook Air with the latest macOS updates, making it a valuable asset for IT managers to retain for spares, loaners, or emergency replacements rather than recycling immediately after lease end.
- The success of the M1 chip has disrupted planned obsolescence in enterprise hardware, potentially extending device lifespans to five years or more, which may justify higher initial costs given the extended usability.
- IT managers are encouraged to reconsider disposal plans for M1 MacBook Airs, leveraging their durability and performance to manage rising hardware costs and longer lease terms effectively.
