2024-11-30 15:00:00
Today, we live surrounded by products that seem to have a expiration date. Smartphones that start to show signs of tiredness after two or three years, computers that slow down before you even get used to them… it seems like everything was designed to be replaced as quickly as possible.
Apple, however, is one of those companies that, like it or not, does things differently. Its operating systems (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS) are designed to last. Not only technically, but also to offer something that, in the world of technology, is increasingly rare: time.
This is not just about having a product working for longer. It’s about trust. About knowing that the money spent will be worth it and that you won’t have to rush to replace your device every time a new update is released.
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A relationship outside the curve
Let’s start with the numbers. Anyone who has ever purchased a smartphone or computer from another brand knows the story well: two years of guaranteed updates; hopefully another third year. After that, the device loses support, becomes vulnerable and, eventually, outdated.
Apple does it differently. See the case of iPhone 6s: Released in 2015, it continued to receive software updates until 2021. Six years of support. This durability has a direct impact on the values of the devices, of course.
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This is because used iPhones tend to be highly sought after, even after years of use. It’s not just because they are iPhones, but because whoever buys them knows that they are still relevant and will work great for a long time.
It’s hard to find this on other smartphones. While many lose value quickly, Apple cell phones have a good appreciation in the used market, which is great for those who want to upgrade without spending so much.
This is not just a technical point. It’s a change in the way we consume technology. It’s knowing that you’re not entering a cycle of rapid changes and that your device will remain relevant.
macOS’s commitment to durability
The Mac is another example of an Apple product that delivers durability.
While many PC manufacturers offer support for two, three, or four years, Macs go further. They receive updates for at least seven years — and some models continue to be protected with security updates for almost a decade!
A classic example is the MacBook Pro de 2012. This model continued to receive updates until 2022 — it was nothing less than ten years! During all this time, he had access to security improvements, performance and even new features.
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With the arrival of Apple Siliconthe story got even better. The M1 processors, launched in 2020, brought more power and efficiency, but also reinforced Apple’s commitment to longevity.
Now that the hardware and software are integrated, these models are expected to last more than ten years. Buying a Mac with the M3 or M4 chip today means investing in a computer that will probably remain relevant for more than a decade.
Again, the longevity of Macs is more than just a technicality. It’s something that changes the user’s relationship with technology. When you buy a Mac, you are purchasing a tool that will accompany you for many years.
And this confidence — that it will not only last, but continue to be good — is what makes many people not think twice before buying another one. Because at the end of the day, Macs are built to last and stay relevant.
The real-life impact
But what does this mean in practice? For many people, this longevity makes all the difference. Think about a family that doesn’t change their smartphone every year. With an iPhone that lasts six or seven years, the device can accompany your child throughout their adolescence, without losing functionality.
Or even a student who buys a MacBook to meet the demands of college and knows that the device will last until the beginning of their professional career, without having to spend more on a new computer.
There is, of course, the environmental impact. THE Global E-Waste Monitor estimates that we generate more than 50 million tons of electronic waste per year. Part of this comes from the idea that devices are disposable, that they need to be changed every two to three years.
Keeping a computer longer reduces electronic waste, and Apple reinforces this with recycled materials and sustainable practices, making the Mac an environmentally conscious choice.
In this way, choosing a long-lasting device becomes not only financially advantageous, but also a more conscious attitude towards the environment.
Apple helps reduce this mountain of waste by offering long-term support and using recycled materials in its products. This transforms a simple gesture into something greater: a real contribution to more sustainable consumption.
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Commitment that generates loyalty
It’s impossible not to compare. In the Android world, even premium models usually have three or four years of updates.
Some brands, like Samsung and Google, currently offer up to five years of support, but still lag behind Apple. In the PC market, the difference is greater, with many losing support in less than five years.
This difference is not just a technological issue, but a strategic one: Apple prioritizes consumers with safe and relevant devices for longer, something rare in a market dominated by so-called planned obsolescence.
This commitment creates something rare: trust. When you buy an iPhone, iPad or Mac, you can be sure that the device will work well for years, without the need for frequent replacements or worries about security and updates.
This trust explains loyalty to Apple. A recent study showed, for example, that iPhone users are more loyal than Pixel users, not just because of the design or the ecosystem, but because they know that the investment pays off.
An example for the future
But after all, why don’t more companies follow the same path? Isn’t it time for other manufacturers to rethink the average lifespan of their products? Apple shows that it is possible to create lasting devices without losing relevance in the market — and still gain consumer trust.
In the end, Apple’s perspective goes far beyond technology. It’s a philosophy that reminds us that time is valuable. The time we save by not having to constantly replace a device. The time we spend using something that still works well. The time we stop wasting on products that don’t last.
And maybe that’s why so many people choose Apple. Because, in a world where everything seems disposable, she offers something more solid. A reminder that sometimes the most innovative is not what is new, it is what remains.
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What environmental benefits are associated with the extended lifespan of Macs?
Macintosh computers are known for their longevity. Compared to typical PCs which may receive support for only 2-4 years, Macs often receive updates for at least seven years[[1]]. Some models even get security updates for nearly a decade. This commitment to long-term support is a key factor contributing to users’ loyalty to Apple products.
One example cited is the **MacBook Pro from 2012**, which continued receiving updates until 2022 – a remarkable ten-year lifespan. With the introduction of Apple Silicon and the M1, M2, and M3 chips, this longevity is further enhanced due to deeper integration between hardware and software.
The lengthened lifespan of Macs also has environmental benefits. By keeping devices functional for longer periods, there is a reduction in electronic waste generation[[1]]. Apple’s use of recycled materials in its products further reinforces this commitment to sustainability.
The text draws a comparison between Macs and Android devices or PCs. While premium Android phone brands like Samsung and Google are extending their support to up to five years, Macs still maintain a significant lead. In the PC market, the difference is even more stark, with many devices losing support in under five years.
