Apple is one of the most trusted technology brands in the world. From sleek iPhones to powerful MacBooks, many people admire Apple products for their design, performance, and reliability. However, not everyone can afford the latest Apple models, which is why older devices, especially those released before 2020, are still widely sold and used.
On the surface, it might look like a smart and cost-effective choice. The device carries the same iconic Apple logo, has a similar design, and is available at a lower price. But in reality, buying an Apple product released before 2020 in 2025 comes with many serious drawbacks. This article explains why purchasing such devices might not be a good decision, especially if you want long-term value, performance, or plan to use the device for development or professional tasks.
Limited Software Support on Older Apple Devices
Apple typically provides software support for its devices for about five to six years. Once that period ends, the company stops releasing updates, including critical security patches. This becomes a major issue when you are using a device that is no longer compatible with the latest iOS or macOS version.
Without current software updates, many apps may stop working or become unreliable. Some may not install at all. You also miss out on important new features, improved security, and performance enhancements that newer systems offer. As developers shift focus to current versions of iOS and macOS, users of outdated devices are left behind with limited app compatibility and growing security risks.
Battery and Performance Degradation
As devices age, one of the most common problems they develop is poor battery health. Batteries lose their ability to hold charge over time, and Apple’s older devices are no exception. In many cases, these devices begin to drain faster or shut down unexpectedly even when the battery is still showing percentage remaining.
To prevent sudden shutdowns, Apple sometimes slows down device performance automatically when it detects a weak battery. This is intended to preserve battery life, but the result is a sluggish and frustrating user experience. If you’re buying a used iPhone X or iPhone 8 in 2025, chances are high that the battery will be significantly degraded unless it has already been replaced.
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Software Development Limitations for Xcode
For developers, especially those working with React Native or Expo, older MacBooks present serious limitations. If you’re planning to build a mobile application, having access to the latest version of Xcode is essential. Apple regularly updates Xcode, and new versions often require the latest macOS. Unfortunately, older MacBooks released before 2020 are frequently unable to upgrade to recent versions of macOS.
This becomes a major problem when trying to build or upload apps to the Apple App Store. Without the latest Xcode, you may be unable to compile your code or sign your application for submission. Developers converting Expo projects to full native builds often run into compatibility issues that can’t be solved without newer system tools. In other words, the entire app development process becomes difficult, if not impossible, when using an outdated machine.
Many developers have been complaining on this, some even talk about some sdk problems like firebase for analytics, agora sdk and live sdk doesnt run well on mac of 2017, and if you cant afford the latest one or higher version, you will not be able to continue with your work
Many developers who use older MacBooks, especially those from 2017 or earlier, have started to face serious problems when working on modern apps. Some popular tools like Firebase Analytics, Agora SDK, and other live video software do not run properly on these older devices.
The reason is that these tools now need the latest system updates and stronger hardware to work well. Older MacBooks cannot install the newest macOS versions, and even when they do, the system may be too slow or weak to handle the task. This causes errors, failed builds, and features that simply don’t work at all.
For example, if a developer is trying to build a video calling app or use real-time data, the app might crash or refuse to open. Some people try to fix these problems with tricks and workarounds, but most of the time, the only real solution is to get a newer MacBook.
This puts many people in a difficult situation. If you cannot afford a recent Mac, you might not be able to continue your work as a developer. Your tools stop working, your progress is blocked, and you may even lose clients or job opportunities. In today’s world, having a newer Mac is no longer just a luxury. It is now a basic need if you want to keep building and running modern apps.
App Store Upload Restrictions and Incompatibility
If you’re planning to release an iOS app, uploading it to the App Store requires more than just good code. Apple enforces strict guidelines for app submissions, including using the latest versions of Xcode and adhering to updated security requirements. If you’re using an old Mac that can’t install the latest version of Xcode, you’ll likely run into errors during the submission process, even in build process, you will be chocked with bugs.
Some common issues include failed archive uploads, invalid toolchains, and signature mismatches. These problems are often tied to the system environment being out-of-date. Developers frequently report getting stuck at the final stage of submission, which results in wasted time and frustration. For anyone serious about building and publishing apps, a pre-2020 Mac is simply not practical anymore.
Outdated Features in Pre-2020 iPhones
Older iPhones like the iPhone 6s, 7, 8, X, and XR are still being sold in many second-hand markets. While they might be appealing because of their lower prices, they come with several technical limitations that make them less desirable in 2025.
First, these devices do not support the latest iOS versions. This means they miss out on new features, improved security, and compatibility with modern apps. Performance is also a concern. Older iPhones struggle to keep up with today’s more demanding applications and games. Many users experience lag, app crashes, and slow loading times.
In terms of camera performance, pre-2020 iPhones lack features like night mode, ultra-wide lenses, and advanced image processing. This results in lower quality photos and videos, especially in low-light environments. Additionally, these devices do not support modern network technologies like 5G and have slower charging speeds. Overall, the user experience is limited compared to newer models.
Repair Costs and Availability of Parts
Repairing an older Apple product is not only costly but also risky. Apple officially marks older devices as “vintage” or “obsolete” once they pass a certain age. When that happens, even authorized Apple repair centers may refuse to service them. Finding genuine replacement parts becomes difficult, and third-party parts may be of poor quality or incompatible.
For example, repairing a MacBook Pro from 2016 could cost as much as the device itself. A screen replacement, battery swap, or SSD failure could easily push the total cost above the value of the machine. In many cases, it’s more economical to invest in a newer model than to keep repairing an outdated one.
Apple has created a powerful ecosystem over the past few years. Features like Universal Control, Continuity Camera, Stage Manager, and AirPlay to Mac have improved the way Apple devices work together. These features offer better productivity, smoother workflows, and seamless integration between devices.
However, these features require newer hardware and operating systems. Most Apple devices released before 2020 cannot take advantage of these updates due to hardware limitations. This means that even though you’re using an Apple product, you’re not getting the full experience or long-term value that the brand is known for.
Better Alternatives to Pre-2020 Apple Products
If you still want to join the Apple ecosystem, there are smarter options available. For example, a refurbished MacBook Air with the M1 chip, released in late 2020, offers excellent performance, long battery life, and future software support. It’s also more affordable than newer models and far more reliable than older ones.
For iPhones, the iPhone SE (2022) is a good choice for those looking for a balance between price and performance. It supports the latest iOS versions, offers great speed, and has updated internals despite its older design. Similarly, the iPad 9th generation remains a solid choice for casual use, education, and content creation.
If you are open to exploring beyond Apple, there are many non-Apple laptops and smartphones that offer excellent value. Windows laptops from brands like ASUS, Lenovo, and HP now come with high-resolution displays, fast processors, and long battery life. On the mobile side, brands like Xiaomi, Infinix, and Samsung offer powerful smartphones at much lower prices than the iPhone, while still delivering great performance.
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Buying an Apple product released before 2020 might seem like a budget-friendly decision, but it often comes with hidden costs and limitations. From outdated software and performance issues to development restrictions and lack of support, these older devices are not built for today’s demands. Whether you are a regular user, a student, or a developer, the disadvantages outweigh the initial savings.
Instead of settling for outdated technology, consider saving up for a more recent Apple device or exploring alternative options that provide better long-term value. In the fast-moving world of technology, staying current ensures you enjoy better performance, security, and overall satisfaction.