How Long Does an Imac Last? You Should Know This! (2023)

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Besides being known for its expensive products, Apple is also known for its high-performance devices. The iMac, the Apple variant of a desktop pc, is well sought after by office workers, students, and just about anybody who likes top-end devices. They come in flashy colors you rarely find on windows pc.

If you’ve been looking to get this device, a question you might have asked yourself is how long does an iMac last? This is a very valid question; when spending $2000- $5000+ on a device, it is only natural you desire to get your money’s worth. Although they’re way more expensive than Windows PCs, there’re different price ranges to fit whatever budget you have in mind.

Read this article as we explore features to expect, the different budget ranges of Imac’s, and what to expect in product life span.

Are Imac Different From Windows PC

Imac

The basic difference between an Imac and a windows pc is the operating system. When it comes to how the internal components work, Imac’s and windows pc are very similar. They both have CPUs, fans, keyboards, Graphic cards, Ram; the list goes on and on.

Apple has invested a lot of time and resources to distance its products from its counterparts. But they can’t deny the fact that these products operate on the same basic principle as long as internal components are concerned.

The major difference is in the operating system. Software and programs are made independently for windows and apple pcs. The iMac has a very sleek layout; all its programs are optimized for aesthetics; this is why people love them. Another thing is the prestige attached to these devices. No matter how you deny it, owning an Apple product is now a class symbol; this means a lot to some people and nothing to others.

Windows PC

Our trusty Windows desktops have been with us for as long as we can remember. Known for their bulky numerous external components, these pics are made to last. Another reason people love windows is the upgradability feature.

You can take a stock desktop and turn it into the most advanced gaming rig. Windows pc gives you access to the various internal components, such as; graphic cards, ram, processor, fan. Tweaking these 3 components gives you room to upgrade your pc to whatever you want. This allows you to use your desktop for longer without it becoming obsolete.

Windows are well known for their clunky internal overlays. They’re built for speed and not aesthetics. Over the years, there have been serious updates to the operating system, from Windows 8, 9, 10, and recently 11, but these don’t come close to the iMac.

Pros and Con of Imac and Windows

Imac

Windows PC

How Long Do Imacs Last?

An iMac can last for from 3 to 5 years. This is when it can no longer keep up with new software and no longer functions well. We would also consider wear and tear. If the body of your iMac is compromised, how would you use it? Plastics and metals can last for a long time if used carefully. It will take a freak accident to destroy your iMac.

However, if you’re looking for a computer that could last longer, you may stick with Lenovo laptops. A Lenovo laptop could last up to 10 years or more.

In all, how long does an iMac last depends on two major factors? Let’s look at these two factors carefully.

Can It Keep up With Newer Software’s

Each year software runs upgrades on their existing versions; these updates add more features and enhance performance. But there is a catch with each update; it requires faster and more powerful processors to keep up with it.

This is the reason. Computer PCs are always releasing newer products to keep up with software that require better performance ratings. If you had a windows pc, it would have been as simple as swapping your processor for a more recent one or changing your graphic card when the old one becomes obsolete.

Apple products are not known for their internal components’ upgradability features, so chances are you will have to make use of what you have. With this in mind, if you buy the latest iMac, you have about 3-5 years before you need an upgrade.

What About Physical Damage

Since Imacs are rarely moved around, unlike Macbooks, it is unlikely physical damage will put an end to your pc. They’re pretty strong regarding structural integrity, and a fall from a regular-sized table should still have them functioning properly.

Unless you were to have a freak accident that involved water damaging the Imac, chances are you will use this pc until performance issues make you change it.

What Type of Imac Should Buy?

When it comes to expensive products like this, you should make your choice on the type of tasks you will handle daily. It doesn’t make any sense to have an extremely expensive pc you don’t use to its full capabilities unless you have a lot of money.

So how do you decide on what type of Imac to buy? A good way is to look at the most performance-intensive task you see yourself working on. And get an iMac that can handle these tasks without faltering. We would look at the latest releases and the difference in their specs.

Image 24 Inches (M1 chip, two ports)

Starting off at $1300, this 24-inch computer comes in four different colors, Blue, green, pink, and silver. Here is a quick look at what you can expect to see specs-wise

iMac Pro

Starting at $5000, this performance beast is available in space gray. Here is a quick look at what you can expect to see.

Image 27 Inches

This iMac starts at $1800 and comes in a silver color only. Here is a look at what you can expect spec-wise.

Conclusion

It is perfectly alright to ask “how long does an iMac last” before you leap purchasing this device, seeing as they don’t come cheap. In 3-5 years, you would most likely need an upgrade; if you don’t do this, you will find it hard to run newer software.

Buying an iMac should be based on the tasks you expect to run on it; most times, there is a huge price difference between the models. It makes no sense to get an overly expensive device you won’t use to its full capacity.