The tech community has recently expressed significant discontent over Microsoft’s stringent compatibility requirements for Windows 11. These new stipulations have rendered some PCs, merely six or seven years old, obsolete, cutting them off from security updates and the latest operating system enhancements. Interestingly, this scenario mirrors the practices of one of Microsoft’s oldest rivals: Apple. The tech giant’s update policy for its MacOS systems is just as restrictive, if not more so.
One reason for the lack of public outcry directed at Apple could be the complexity surrounding its support policies. Unlike Microsoft, which provides clear Support Lifecycle pages, Apple’s approach requires users to piece together information from various sources. As new MacOS versions are released, older systems often find themselves unable to upgrade, leading to a gradual cessation of security updates.
Understanding Apple’s Update Cycle
Apple follows a predictable annual release schedule for its MacOS, with the upcoming version, MacOS 26 Tahoe, anticipated this fall, likely in September. The company commits to providing free security updates for the three most recent MacOS versions. Consequently, when Tahoe is launched, MacOS 13 Ventura will cease to receive updates, leaving certain older Macs vulnerable.
Apple’s hardware compatibility requirements mean that some Macs currently running Ventura will be unable to transition to the new MacOS version, effectively rendering them unsupported. The implications are clear: once the new version is released, these machines will no longer receive critical security updates.
- Every year, a new MacOS version is introduced.
- Security updates are available for the three most recent releases.
- Older Macs may be left behind due to hardware compatibility issues.
For those seeking clarity on which Macs will be left unsupported, independent resources such as endoflife.date and Macworld provide comprehensive compatibility lists. Models including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini from 2017 or earlier, along with iMac and Mac Pro models from 2018 or earlier, will not be able to upgrade to MacOS 14 Sonoma and will subsequently stop receiving security updates.
To navigate this complex landscape, users can easily check their Mac’s compatibility by accessing the “About This Mac” option in the Apple menu. This section reveals the model information, which is crucial for determining the platform year—the year the core components were released, rather than the purchase date.
Windows PC Security Update Timelines
For Windows PCs, the situation is a bit more intricate. Determining compatibility with Windows 11 involves more than just identifying the CPU release date. A diverse range of processors from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm complicates the matter. Generally, if a PC features a CPU released in 2019 or later, it is likely to be compatible with Windows 11. However, some budget processors from 2018 may not meet Microsoft’s criteria.
To simplify the process, users can utilize Microsoft’s PC Health Check app, which efficiently identifies compatibility issues. The app can quickly determine whether a PC’s CPU is on the approved list for Windows 11.
For those PCs built with CPUs from 2015 to 2018, the compatibility status can be ambiguous. Many of these systems may pass all tests except for the CPU requirement. Interestingly, Microsoft has provided a registry setting that allows users to bypass this CPU check, enabling the installation of Windows 11 on otherwise incompatible machines.
Additionally, Windows 10 users have the option to purchase security updates for up to three years following the official end of support in October 2025, a choice not available to Mac users. Ultimately, both Mac and Windows PC owners can anticipate receiving security updates for eight to ten years post-release, though purchasing older models may accelerate the timeline for reaching their end-of-support dates.