Engadget Guide: Apple Silicon MacBooks Still Worth Buying Used in 2026, Intel Models Left Behind

Apple began moving to its own chips in 2020 and has not sold an Intel-based MacBook since 2021, the guide says. Owners of MacBooks released before the M-series can expect security patches for the final supported version of macOS and little beyond that.

Software support, rather than the age of the machine, should decide the purchase, according to the guide. As of August 26, Apple's active updates included macOS Tahoe 26, Sequoia 15 and Sonoma 14, but Golden Gate will be the first macOS release restricted to Apple silicon. Buying a MacBook that has already been excluded from the newest macOS is risky unless the intended use is very simple, because newer applications will gradually require a more recent version of the operating system. Users comfortable with Linux who can work around the T2 security chip in 2018 to 2020 Intel MacBooks can extend those machines' life further than they could by staying on macOS.

For buyers who stay within Apple's ecosystem, a barebones M1 MacBook Air still covers browsing, streaming and most basic laptop tasks, and such machines can still be found at reasonable prices, particularly renewed or refurbished units from a trustworthy retailer. The guide describes Apple silicon models from 2020 onward as a six-year window of relatively safe options.

Before buying, the guide advises confirming a machine's exact model identifier and checking it against the macOS compatibility list, then inspecting the battery's cycle count and service recommendations. Buyers who can examine a machine in person should test the keyboard, display, ports, camera, Wi-Fi and speakers.

Apple Certified Refurbished products include a standard one-year warranty and can save up to 15 percent compared with new models, according to Apple. Private listings can save more but carry higher risk, and the guide suggests meeting locally where practical so the serial number and configuration can be verified, along with a clearly stated condition, return period or warranty from any retailer.

Higher-specification used machines can make sense for heavier work: a lightly used MacBook Pro with more memory, storage and a stronger M-series processor can save hundreds of dollars while still offering the best performance among the options discussed. In short, according to Engadget, an M1 MacBook or newer is worth buying at the right price, while Intel-based models belong on a shortlist only if the intended use is limited or short-term.