With Apple’s new M4 series chips entering the market, there’s plenty of excitement around their potential performance improvements. However, at Part Haven, we’re choosing a different path for our M1 install base. Rather than upgrading to the M4 series, we’re opting to extend AppleCare coverage across our fleet of M1 Macs. Here’s why this decision benefits our business—and why it might be the right choice for other companies, too.
1. The M1 Line: Reliability, Longevity, and Getting the Job Done
When we initially invested in M1 Macs, it was for their performance, efficiency, and the promise of long-term durability. Years later, these machines still handle everything we throw at them, from processing large files to running multitasking workflows. It’s impressive to see our 2020 M1 devices hold their own against the latest models. While we don’t do video editing—a field where the M4 might offer advantages—our M1s remain more than sufficient for our needs.
2. Extending Usable Life for Greater Value
At Part Haven, we specialize in repairing and extending the life of computers, and we’re thrilled to see the M1 Macs’ durability and longevity align with our values. In past upgrade cycles, by the 3–4 year mark, we’d typically evaluate our hardware to replace any devices that no longer met our needs. This time, not a single machine has become a bottleneck in our processes.
3. Apple Extending AppleCare Beyond Three Years
Yes, we sell parts and fix Macs for a living, but if we’re constantly fixing our own machines, that means less time to work on our customers’ devices.
As a business, it’s essential to ensure our devices are always available. Downtime on any of our machines could impact productivity, so we’re extending AppleCare on our M1 fleet. This extra coverage gives us several more years of worry-free use and helps prevent potential disruptions if an unexpected repair arises. For a fraction of the cost of new hardware, the extended AppleCare provides reliable protection and keeps our current M1s fully functional and supported.
4. Cost Efficiency Over Constant Upgrades
Upgrading to the M4 series across our entire fleet would be a significant expense. While we value performance, the M1 Macs already meet our needs seamlessly. Extending AppleCare is a cost-effective solution that allows us to maximize the value of our investment. For companies that don’t require constant access to the latest technology, choosing extended warranty coverage over new hardware can be a strategic way to manage resources.
5. Longevity: How Long Will M1 Support Last?
Our only real concern with holding onto the M1s is how long Apple will continue providing OS updates and software support. Apple’s history suggests they will support these machines for at least a few more years, extending the M1’s relevance to nearly six years from release. We’re optimistic that Apple will continue supporting M1 Macs, as these devices remain highly functional for both businesses and individual users.
What About RAM and Storage Upgrades?
This topic is complicated. While it’s disappointing that the newer Mac models no longer allow for user upgrades to RAM or storage, this design does lead to slimmer, more efficient, and reliable hardware. With the current resale value for Apple Silicon Macs remaining high, selling and buying a machine with the correct specifications may cost about the same as upgrading RAM or storage in previous generations. Time will tell if this approach holds true, but it’s a strategy we’ll consider to balance longevity with cost-efficiency.
Final Thoughts
By extending AppleCare instead of upgrading, we’re maximizing the value of our current M1 install base. Sometimes, the best choice isn’t the latest release but making the most of a proven product that continues to perform exceptionally. For Part Haven, this decision is about balancing performance, cost, and sustainability. If you’re managing a fleet of M1s, it might be time to consider whether you really need the M4 series—or if your current setup can still deliver everything your business needs.
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