Older MacBooks can still be a sensible buy in 2026, but only if they run on Apple's own silicon rather than Intel chips, according to a guide from Engadget. This matters because rising RAM and storage prices have pushed up the cost of new laptops, making secondhand or refurbished models more appealing, yet software support is the deciding factor in whether an older machine remains a safe, worthwhile purchase.

Apple moved away from Intel processors in 2020 and stopped selling Intel-based MacBooks altogether in 2021; the forthcoming macOS 27 "Golden Gate" update will not support Intel Macs at all, leaving those machines reliant only on security patches for their final compatible macOS version. By contrast, Apple silicon models going back to 2020, including early M1 MacBook Airs, are covered by the macOS 27 compatibility list and remain capable of everyday tasks such as browsing and streaming. Buyers are advised to check a used MacBook's exact model identifier, battery cycle count and macOS compatibility, and to buy from Apple Certified Refurbished programmes or reputable resellers, which can offer savings of up to 15% with a one-year warranty compared with private sales.