2012's future OSX support

[Richard8655]

Might be a silly question. But let's say in 5 years time when Apple releases the new OSX (i.e., Sequoia), will it matter if you have the 2012 I5 or I7 as far as what hardware is supported?

In other words, are OSX updates' system requirements always based on the hardware release year (i.e., late 2012) or could it distinguish between processor models of the same year? I don't think I've ever seen it done this way, but just wondering.

 

[Darby67]

At some point all of our computers will be obsolete one way or the other. There might be an instance of separating between models within a release date if for some reason it can't cope (i can't think of an instance at the moment) or Apple could force obsolescence (a lot of examples).

Only time will tell.

 

[cinealta]

No. On the contrary Apple encourages users of older machines to upgrade to the latest OSX. The opposite is not true. Owners of new Macs can't run Mountain Lion or Snow Leopard (both very stable but without social features). My 2009 Mac Mini sings on Yosemite. Any limitations will be hardware related (eg no Bluetooth 4.0 etc) not because you can't run a new OSX.

 

[Richard8655]

Thanks guys. I think I'm asking this based on if the I7 might be advantageous down the road for OSX support, versus the I5. I tend to keep my machines as long as possible.

 

[Darby67]

I really can't see a difference between them that would preclude the i5.

 

[Richard8655]

Processor speed (significant between I5 and I7)?

 

[Darby67]

I don't think the processor differences between i5 an i7 are enough to warrant it. If it happens it would be a choice by Apple. I doubt it but that's just a guess.

 

[Richard8655]

I lean the same way in my guess. Thanks.

 

[SoCalReviews]

The 2012 Mini models and the 2012 MBP non-retina will probably be supported for at least the next 5-7 years of OS X updates. Since they were sold for more than two years they will probably be the most supported recent Mac models ever.

I just updated my 2011 base model Mini to Yosemite. It originally came with Lion. I upgraded to ML, Mavericks and now Yosemite. It runs slower than my 2012 i7 Mini but it still runs well.