Why It’s Time to Buy a New Mac: It’s Not Just Speed—It’s Security
- Jul 13
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Given my internet usage and today’s security standards, it might be time to buy a new Mac?
We continue to hear stories about people getting hacked—bank accounts compromised, personal data stolen, and bad actors taking advantage of unsuspecting users. Just recently, a customer asked me about their 8-year-old Mac. It wasn’t them who got hacked, but their neighbor. I don’t know exactly what kind of computer their neighbor was using, but it sounds like they clicked on something they shouldn’t have. Unfortunately, that’s all too common.
The reality is, today’s online threats are more advanced than ever. Between spam, phishing emails, fake text messages, malicious pop-ups, and sophisticated scams, it’s incredibly easy to fall victim—especially on older devices that can’t run the latest security updates.
That’s where modern Apple devices really shine. Apple has invested heavily in security—from built-in hardware protections like the Secure Enclave and Apple Silicon, to software features like Gatekeeper, System Integrity Protection, and real-time privacy monitoring. These technologies work together to make Macs, iPads, and iPhones among the most secure consumer devices available.
At MacMan, we also offer a free Tech Talk class that helps you learn how to recognize fraud and protect your digital life. But this article is focused on something just as important: understanding when it’s time to upgrade your Mac, iPad, or iPhone.
We know you have choices when it comes to where you buy your Apple products. Being one of the oldest Apple dealers in the country doesn’t mean we deserve your business—it means we’ve spent over 31 years earning it by taking care of Apple users like you. And we’re committed to continuing that tradition.
I hope you find this article helpful—and if you're considering an upgrade, we’d love the chance to help you choose the right device and earn your business.
Let’s talk about the security features built into Apple products and why upgrading matters.
If you're using a Mac, iPad, or iPhone that’s several years old, you may no longer be getting the latest security updates. That leaves you more vulnerable to phishing, malware, data theft, and other modern threats.
Apple has made huge strides in security over the past 8 years — from advanced hardware encryption and secure boot processes to real-time threat detection and private browsing protections. But older devices simply can’t support the latest defenses.
Even if your device still "works," it might not be safe. Updating ensures:
Ongoing software and security updates
Compatibility with secure websites and services
Better protection of personal data, passwords, and financial accounts
The bottom line: When it comes to security, newer is safer. Don’t wait until after something goes wrong.
Internet Usage
As of the most recent data:
96 % of U.S. adults report using the internet, according to the Pew Research Center’s 2024 survey Forbes+2NTIA+2Lifewire+2HostingAdvice.com+3Pew Research Center+3Pew Research Center+3.
In absolute terms, that translates to around 327 million internet users in the U.S. — about 94.4 % of the total population — per 2025 estimates
A Quick Snapshot:
Metric | Value |
% of U.S. adults online | 96 % |
Number of U.S. internet users | ~327 million |
% of overall population | ~94 % |
So, nearly all U.S. adults (and citizens in general) are now connected, underscoring how integral the internet has become to everyday life.
"I don’t do much with my computer, so I don’t need anything fast or too fancy."
Even if you don’t need extra storage or memory, having newer, faster hardware helps keep your system secure.
Let’s talk about the security features built into Apple products and why staying updated matters.
Apple Security Evolution:
8 Years of Advancements in Protecting Your Data and Privacy2017–2025
Remember, this is just looking back 8 years. If your device is older than that—and I know some of you are still hanging on—you’re even further behind and really due for an upgrade.
Over the past eight years, Apple has made significant advancements in privacy and security across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. These innovations aim to protect your personal data, prevent unauthorized access, and secure your online activity. If you're using an older Mac (5 years), iPhone, or iPad, you may be missing out on essential protections that are now standard.
1. Hardware-Based Security Enhancements
Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4 Chips)
Apple transitioned its Mac lineup from Intel processors to its own Apple Silicon, beginning in 2020. These chips include a Secure Enclave, which handles sensitive tasks like Touch ID, encryption, and secure boot processes, making it much harder for hackers to tamper with your system.
Secure Enclave and Secure Boot
Introduced earlier on iPhones and iPads, the Secure Enclave now extends to Macs. It encrypts biometric data (like Face ID and Touch ID) and ensures only trusted software runs during startup.
Secure Enclave
The Secure Enclave is a dedicated secure subsystem in the latest versions of iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro, and HomePod.
Secure Enclave Overview
The Secure Enclave is a dedicated secure subsystem integrated into Apple system on a chip (SoC). The Secure Enclave is isolated from the main processor to provide an extra layer of security and is designed to keep sensitive user data secure even when the Application Processor kernel becomes compromised. It follows the same design principles as the SoC does—a boot ROM to establish a hardware root of trust, an AES engine for efficient and secure cryptographic operations, and protected memory. Although the Secure Enclave doesn’t include storage, it has a mechanism to store information securely on attached storage separate from the NAND flash storage that’s used by the Application Processor and operating system.
The Secure Enclave is a hardware feature of most versions of iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro, and HomePod—namely:
All iPhone models starting with iPhone 5s or later
All iPad models starting with iPad Air or later
All Mac computers with Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)
MacBook Pro computers with Touch Bar (2016 and 2017) that contain the Apple T1 Chip
All Intel-based Mac computers that contain the Apple T2 Security Chip
All Apple TV models starting with Apple TV HD or later
All Apple Watch models starting with Apple Watch series 1 or later
Apple Vision Pro
All HomePod models
For a more in-depth look at the Apple Platform Security, visit: https://support.apple.com/guide/security/secure-enclave-sec59b0b31ff/web
Simply put, Apple has taken security to a whole new level—making it more advanced and more effective at protecting your data.
2. Operating System Security Improvements
System Integrity Protection (SIP)
Introduced in macOS El Capitan and strengthened since, SIP helps prevent malicious software from modifying system files and processes.
Signed System Volume (SSV)
macOS Big Sur and later use SSV to cryptographically seal system files, preventing unauthorized changes even with root access.
Rapid Security Response
Starting in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, Apple can now push out urgent security patches between major updates, allowing faster protection from emerging threats.
Gatekeeper and Notarization
These technologies verify that apps are from identified developers and are free from known malware before running on your Mac.
3. Network and Internet Protections
Private Relay (iCloud+)
Apple’s version of a privacy-focused VPN, Private Relay encrypts your web traffic and
hides your IP address from websites and trackers. Apple's Private Relay PDF
Mail Privacy Protection
Blocks senders from knowing when you open emails or your IP address location—introduced in iOS 15 and macOS Monterey.
Enhanced Safari Tracking Prevention
Safari has progressively become one of the most privacy-conscious browsers, blocking cross-site trackers and fingerprinting techniques.
Lockdown Mode
Lockdown Mode is an optional, extreme security setting in iOS 16 (and later) and macOS Ventura (and later) designed to protect users targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks. It significantly restricts device functionality to minimize potential attack vectors. This mode is intended for the very few users who may be personally targeted by highly sophisticated threats, like state-sponsored mercenary spyware. LockDown Mode PDF
4. Password and Identity Protection
Release of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, Apple introduced a dedicated Passwords app that serves as a more user-friendly interface for managing passwords, effectively replacing the previous method of accessing and managing passwords through the Settings app and Safari's password management features. While Apple Keychain is still the underlying technology for storing and syncing passwords, the Passwords app provides a centralized and streamlined experience for users.
Here's a breakdown:
iCloud Keychain:
This is Apple's system for securely syncing passwords and other sensitive information (like credit card details and Wi-Fi passwords) across your devices via iCloud.
Passwords App:
This new app is a dedicated interface for managing your passwords and passkeys. It consolidates password management from various places within the operating system and offers a more intuitive experience.
Replacement:
The Passwords app doesn't eliminate iCloud Keychain; rather, it provides a new, user-friendly way to access and manage the passwords stored within it.
Key features of the Passwords app:
Centralized storage: It brings all your passwords, passkeys, and Wi-Fi passwords into one place.
Enhanced management: It allows for creating, editing, and sharing passwords and passkeys.
Security features: It can alert you to weak or compromised passwords and supports two-factor authentication.
Seamless integration: It integrates with Safari and other apps for automatic filling and login.
Cross-platform: It's available on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS.
In essence, the Passwords app is a more modern and user-friendly front-end for the same underlying password management system (iCloud Keychain) that Apple has been using.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Now standard and required for Apple ID access, significantly reducing unauthorized access risk. Learn more from Apple on Two-Factor Authentication
On-Device Intelligence
Apple processes many sensitive tasks (like Siri requests and photo analysis) locally on your device, keeping personal data out of the cloud. Learn more here.
5. App Privacy and Permissions
App Tracking Transparency (ATT)
Requires apps to request user permission before tracking data across apps and websites. This gave users unprecedented control over third-party data collection. Learn more from the developer viewpoint.
Microphone and Camera Indicators
Visual indicators now appear when an app uses your mic or camera. This exists on all newer versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
Clipboard, Location, and Bluetooth Controls
Apps must now request permission before accessing your clipboard, location, or Bluetooth, adding more barriers to data harvesting.
6. Encryption and Data Protection
End-to-End Encryption for iCloud (Advanced Data Protection)
In 2023, Apple enabled full end-to-end encryption for more iCloud services, including Photos, Notes, and Backups, making your cloud data nearly inaccessible to anyone—even Apple.
FileVault
Mac computers offer FileVault, a built-in encryption capability, to secure all data at rest. FileVault uses the AES-XTS data encryption algorithm to protect full volumes on internal and removable storage devices.
FileVault on a Mac with Apple silicon is implemented using Data Protection Class C with a volume key. On Mac computers with Apple silicon and Mac computers with the Apple T2 Security Chip, encrypted internal storage devices directly connected to the Secure Enclave leverage its hardware security capabilities as well as that of the AES engine. After a user turns on FileVault on a Mac, their credentials are required during the boot process. Learn more here.
Auto-Lock and Erase on Too Many Passcode Attempts
These safeguards protect your data if a device is lost or stolen.
Why This Matters
Older Apple devices—even with software updates—may not support many of these newer protections due to hardware limitations. Continued use of outdated systems can leave your data vulnerable to:
Incompatible encryption standards
Lack of rapid security patching
Inability to use privacy-forward features like Private Relay or Passkeys
App and website compatibility issues due to outdated browsers and frameworks
App and Website Compatibility Issues Due to Outdated Browsers and Frameworks
When your Mac gets too old, it may no longer support the latest browser versions or web technologies. This can lead to:
Websites Not Loading Properly: Modern websites use updated frameworks, security protocols, and coding standards that older browsers can’t handle.
App Crashes or Errors: Many apps rely on current operating systems and browser engines to function. Using outdated software increases the chances of apps freezing, crashing, or refusing to open.
Security Risks: Unsupported browsers may no longer receive critical security updates, leaving you vulnerable to threats like phishing, malware, and data breaches.
Online Service Limitations: Banks, government services, healthcare portals, and shopping sites often block older systems from accessing their platforms to protect user data.
Slow Performance: Outdated frameworks can’t take advantage of newer hardware acceleration or optimized coding, resulting in sluggish browsing and app usage.
Bottom Line: Keeping your system updated isn’t just about speed—it’s about making sure the apps and services you rely on every day continue to work safely and smoothly.
Time to Buy a New Mac? It’s Not Just Speed—It’s About Security
Stay Secure. Get Expert Help.
Apple builds incredible security into every Mac, iPad, and iPhone—but sometimes you need a little extra support to get things set up right.
At MacMan, we make it easy. Whether you’re:
Setting up a new Mac
Transferring data from an old Mac or PC
Looking for additional cybersecurity protection
Needing remote or in-store tech support
Or even requiring onsite help at your home or business
Our MacMan Advantage Programs, White Glove Mac Services and White Glove for Mobile have you covered.
Don’t go it alone—let the experts at MacMan help you get the most from your Apple devices.
