Am I crazy to buy a 2015 Macbook Pro in 2023?

[Elusi]

I have in my collection the 2015 13" Pro which is a fair bit different from the 15". Worse performance, of course.

The 13" has one of the relatively rare "Broadwell"-processors (Intel's first venture into 14nm) which incidentally has Metal 2 support. This could have an impact on how well it gets supported on Sonoma and further on. I don't believe the 15" have this, as it uses a Haswell CPU with a slightly older iGPU. Of course many 15" shipped with a dGPU as well and are overall just significantly more powerful machines due to this and having quad-core CPUs instead.

When it comes to performance.. It's "fine". I'd say what it could be used for back in the day is what it can be used for now: web browsing and more basic office stuff. It simply lacks the oomph for anything else. But browsing is a totally okay experience. The screen is extremely nice compared to that era's Air-model.

I've tried Sonoma on it thanks to OCLP and it worked though the live backgrounds were pretty laggy. One OCLP update bricked the install so I went back to Monterey.

In many ways it's a good year for the MBP, though. First MBPs with force touch trackpads. Glowing logo. USB-A is super duper useful still. Thermal headroom without death-throttle! (I know M1/M2 Airs throttle as well but with Intel you could reallly really feel it. It was on a completely different level during the Macs' 2016-2019 era)

I totally get having an old Mac to just play around with or gawk at, so I'm not gonna say "go M1 Air" though that advice pretty much always applies normally

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Excellent point. I know it is compatible up to Monterey, which is not too outdated and still getting security updates. I'll have to dig around to see if those updates are enough.

Monterey still gets full security updates. My 2016 MBP with Monterey works fine for the usages you suggest. I upgraded from it because 16 GB RAM was no longer enough.

 

[dawnrazor]

These aren't very expensive (seeing around $300), and there's also a bit of nostalgia and having a project computer. I loved the '15 air i7 i had and miss the glowing logo. I also wouldn't be upset if something happened to it.

However, the lack of security updates starting next year definitely gives me pause--that's when I smack into the cold hard reality of an old machine. I'll need to look into that some more because it may not be worth it.

why not pick up a later model MBP like a 2019 model..? Typically most Intel MBPs can be had for very good money as the market is flooded with them since everyone upgraded to M1/2/3 in recent years… I had a 2 TB 2019 MBP that I couldn’t sell … I need up giving it away to my sister rather than selling it for peanuts…

 

[chrfr]

why not pick up a later model MBP like a 2019 model..?

The 2016-2019 models, excluding the 2019 16”, all have the very unreliable butterfly keyboard and should be avoided.

 

[dawnrazor]

The 2016-2019 models, excluding the 2019 16”, all have the very unreliable butterfly keyboard and should be avoided.

never had a problem with the two 2019 models I’ve had…

 

[Rychiar]

Get an iPad 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[Jack Neill]

Anyone still rocking a MBP from 2015 and what issues do you have? 13 inch

My 2015 is still a great machine. I put a 2TB Nvme in it and I kept it at Mojave for 32 bit stuff and to maintain a 600GB iTunes Library. Still a great little machine.

 

[Jack Neill]

never had a problem with the two 2019 models I’ve had…

I have 2 2017's and a 2018 and I have also have had zero problems with them. I also use a dust blower on them out of paranoia semi frequently lol.

 

[chrfr]

never had a problem with the two 2019 models I’ve had…

Well, Apple didn’t put a 4 year warranty extension on those keyboards for no reason. The keyboard’s faults are well documented.

 

[dawnrazor]

Well, Apple didn’t put a 4 year warranty extension on those keyboards for no reason. The keyboard’s faults are well documented.

I’m not saying they aren’t a problem for some people, but they aren’t a problem for everyone is my point… there was an unacceptable failure rate but it shouldn’t stop you buying one of them, by all means be wary nad ask the right questions of the seller, but don’t discount buying one of these laptops… chances are if the keyboard hasn’t failed by now it’s not going to…

 

[macduke]

IDK if anyone else has said this but here is a weird take:

Get a standard iPad. You said you want something for basic and cheap use while traveling. A tablet is perfect for that and you can even use a mouse and keyboard nowadays if you want. And it won’t run out of software updates at the end of 2024. And it’s about twice as fast as that 13” MBP from 2015 in single core and two and a half times faster in multi core. And it will have long battery life and run cool and charge quickly.

 

[Lihto]

You really are a funny guy XD hehe get M1 and dont waste time on this little things in life

 

[MBAir2010]

I would get a 13" M2 MBA. I don't see the logic in spending money on a used Mac that is almost 9 years old for couch use.

100% agree, the M series is outstanding!
and you helped me select the MBA 2020 M1 when they were released, so thanks again!

I think most posters like me are using these as a second or alternative computer.
sometimes using High Sierra on a MacBook Air 2010 while downstairs can be revigorating.
and we get to appreciate what our friends are  are producing now b=y using slower processors.
and some resellers are offering under 100$ for a great MacBook which is is a week of groceries now.

for me personally, the mba 2010 is downstairs with a new battery, adaptor and fresh install of high sierra.
I might play that in th original box and store that over a MacBook Pro 2012 for further use.
that MBP was lent to a neighbor who needed internet for several weeks.
since they don't own a computer.

there is a Mac mini, 2014 Monterey under $100 great specs mint condition.
I stop myself by buying one a week since o I dont need that,
bu t that is cheaper than getting a new ssd and enclosure.

we are weird, but need to satisfy our urges sometimes.

 

[JamesMay82]

I still have one and works fine for office apps, photos and Final Cut Pro. the only thing I can't do on mine is 4k video.

I wouldn't pay more than 150 for this though if I was buying and to be honest id just be tempted with m1 air refurb or deal. ive seen some at $700 in recent Black Friday so its a good deal as a travel laptop

 

[3SQ Machine]

This thread has given me lots to think about. Going to do some more research as the security issue as the big one. I like that there are options to use open source software to continue running recent macOS, but there are also headaches here. I’m not yet convinced it’s worth $300, which seems to be the going rate for an equipped (enough) machine.

Alternatively, the MBAs from this year also have a lot of connectivity and are about $150. Their screens are a big downgrade as they didn’t have retina.

Will keep researching as getting this would be getting a “project” not a “just works” machine.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

This thread has given me lots to think about. Going to do some more research as the security issue as the big one. I like that there are options to use open source software to continue running recent macOS, but there are also headaches here. I’m not yet convinced it’s worth $300, which seems to be the going rate for an equipped (enough) machine.

Alternatively, the MBAs from this year also have a lot of connectivity and are about $150. Their screens are a big downgrade as they didn’t have retina.

Will keep researching as getting this would be getting a “project” not a “just works” machine.

I think a 2015 MacBook Pro out of the box updated to its latest software shouldn’t be much of a project at all, but you’re just going to keep running into that wall that at the end of 2024 Apple is going to stop providing security updates for it.
Windows 10 might be able to run on it but even it is losing security updates in 2026.
Personally, if you don’t want an iPad but do want a cool older collector computer, the 2019 16 inch MacBook Pro not only goes back to the regular keyboard, but also is still on the latest version of macOS, and probably will get the latest version next year as well, and wont lose security updates until at least 2027.

In any other situation, I’d tell you to get an iPad or an M1 Air if you just want the thing to work without any hassle. Any iPad released in the last five years will do fine, and any Mac with Apple Silicon should have you set for a long long time.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I still use a 2015 15" MBP in a secondary role, updated with OCLP, and it works wonderfully.

I have it setup on my kitchen bar/counter as a station to look things up, reply to emails, quick Excel stuff, etc
It has a reasonably new battery as well as an updated and faster NVMe stick (Hynix Gold P31 2TB w/ Adapter)

Big beautiful screen and I still love that keyboard and the key feel and travel, etc

(very subjective - I know some hate it... I love it)

I see no reason to get rid of it anytime soon (if ever).
It could continue on in this role for quite a long time

 

[Macdctr]

I installed a 2TB Western Digital Blue NVMe M.2 storage drive and installed MacOS 14.1.2 Sonoma using OpenCore Legacy Patcher 1.2.1 on my 2015 15-inch MBP without any issue. Laptop has been running the updated OS and I have not run into any issues yet.

Best part is I spent $80 for a brand new never used Western Digital storage drive and read/write speeds with the 2TB drive is close to 2500mb/sec. Not bad!

 

[splifingate]

This thread has given me lots to think about. Going to do some more research as the security issue as the big one. I like that there are options to use open source software to continue running recent macOS, but there are also headaches here. I’m not yet convinced it’s worth $300, which seems to be the going rate for an equipped (enough) machine.

Alternatively, the MBAs from this year also have a lot of connectivity and are about $150. Their screens are a big downgrade as they didn’t have retina.

Will keep researching as getting this would be getting a “project” not a “just works” machine.

I own a 2015 13", and it does its jobs pretty well. Not exemplary, but adequate.

Keep in mind that the 2015 13" has a PCIe2x4 nvme interface, while the 2015 15" has a PCIe3x4 nvme interface . . . you'll get double the disk performance with the 15"

Nevertheless, the daily battery life of both leaves much to be desired 🤷‍♂️

 

[3SQ Machine]

I own a 2015 13", and it does its jobs pretty well. Not exemplary, but adequate.

Keep in mind that the 2015 13" has a PCIe2x4 nvme interface, while the 2015 15" has a PCIe3x4 nvme interface . . . you'll get double the disk performance with the 15"

Nevertheless, the daily battery life of both leaves much to be desired 🤷‍♂️

I'm leaning towards the 13", already have the mammoth 16" M1 Pro, so something a bit more portable would be nice. Minus the battery life issue... although this is a machine I know I can do some upgrades with it on my own.

On using OCLP, do the security updates still come through even with the patch?

 

[elmateo487]

I'm leaning towards the 13", already have the mammoth 16" M1 Pro, so something a bit more portable would be nice. Minus the battery life issue... although this is a machine I know I can do some upgrades with it on my own.

On using OCLP, do the security updates still come through even with the patch?

You already have an M1 Pro? Wtf. Why did we all waste time responding to this guy

 

[GMShadow]

I'm leaning towards the 13", already have the mammoth 16" M1 Pro, so something a bit more portable would be nice. Minus the battery life issue... although this is a machine I know I can do some upgrades with it on my own.

On using OCLP, do the security updates still come through even with the patch?

The 13" are easier to replace the batteries in compared to the 15". Not *easy*, but easier. I have a loaded 2013 13" myself as like you I didn't want to buy an M1 Air for light duty...though if I'm honest I ended up wanting something even lighter and went with a Surface Laptop Go 2 I got on a discount for my ultraportable.

That said, the MBP13 does get used still, but it's noticeably slower than even my 2019 MBP16, let alone any Apple Silicon Macs.

 

[splifingate]

I'm leaning towards the 13", already have the mammoth 16" M1 Pro, so something a bit more portable would be nice. Minus the battery life issue... although this is a machine I know I can do some upgrades with it on my own.

I like to tinker with the best of 'em; but, I would definitely find myself leaving the 2015 13" @home (on the shelf (forgotten-about)) if I were to have a M1-Pro 16" in my possession

On using OCLP, do the security updates still come through even with the patch?

You should have no overt problems updating the unit.

 

[Macdctr]

I'm leaning towards the 13", already have the mammoth 16" M1 Pro, so something a bit more portable would be nice. Minus the battery life issue... although this is a machine I know I can do some upgrades with it on my own.

On using OCLP, do the security updates still come through even with the patch?

yes. Sonoma updates as if it was natively installed on my Mac so I also get all the necessary security patches that this OS gets. Before installing Sonoma I strongly recommend doing some research before jumping in and doing this.

macOS 14 Sonoma on Unsupported Macs Thread

This thread will be dedicated to the discussion of running macOS 14.0 on unsupported Macs. At the time of writing, we are waiting for Apple to send out macOS 14 Developer Beta 1. It is currently unknown whether or not Apple will release a publicly-downloadable InstallAssistant. We will be...

forums.macrumors.com

EDIT:
With OpenCore Legacy Patcher 1.3.0 which was just released by the dev team this afternoon, you can update the Mid2015 15-inch MBP to MacOS Sonoma 14.2 as shown below.

I just completed the install with no issue throughout.

 

[jav6454]

[...]

Or just tell me I'm crazy and go buy an M1 Air (kidding, I don't want an M1 Air).

Just get the M1 MBP then, or the M2.