Does the latest classification of iMac late 2009 as obsolete (from December 2015), have any real meaning to owners of this gear. For instance if I have it repaired I have to pay the going rate of the approved Apple repairer no matter what it’s classification. How does the classification actually impact on the current owner because any software upgrades and updates remain supported by Apple.
It’s primarily used as a means to shame you into wanting to upgrade to the new shiny.
It seems to be working!
I read into your response that I should resist the shaming!!!
Future OS X updates maybe? It’s had a good life. I cringe at work when I see Windows computers that old.
You should never resist the shiny. It’s shiny.
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Thanks ever so much for criticising my computer. Helpful.
You are most welcome.
Tell me what a 2015 iMac can do, that the 2009 can’t? (Honestly - I’ve no idea.)
The obsolete tag will mean that at some time in the future Apple will no longer allow new releases of Mac OS to be installed. For most home users, this is not the end of the world… Even for a lot of businesses, you’ll get a few years before you MUST upgrade to the latest and gr…grea… latest. Software compatibility on most apps I’ve looked at only specify “10.6 or greater”, and modern processors are so fast, there’s really pretty indefinable differences unless you are doing intensive work such as video encoding…
I’m not sure what it means RE parts… I presume that when Apple is manufacturing any given model of computer, they cease producing parts for that model when it is discontinued (typically 12-18 months later). So - whatever spare parts are available at that stage, is all there will ever be… However I’m sure some components would be cross-compatible… And, if there’s a really big issue, I imagine they can reproduce items if need be… (Such as for major Repair Program issues…???)
Apple make great computers (generally speaking). They are built to last (generally speaking). I bought my early 2009 iMac in 2014, and expect to continue to use it for at least another few years before upgrading to whatever-the-last-one-with-an-optical-drive-was…
And that was my…
cheers
cosmic
For goodness sake - The late 2009 iMac is still a great machine! Hopefully it gets more OSX updates. They were for sale just over 5 years ago, and in all honesty 5 years for an expensive computer is not that impressive.
Given the challenges of waste etc that we face today, extending the lives of computers should be a priority.
The Mid 2011 was the last with an optical drive. Also one of the last semi-upgradable models. Hence why I spent a decent amount to max out the CPU and GC from the factory and have spent money since on RAM, SSD, HDD and a Thunderbolt doc.
There really isn’t a lot this computer can’t do that I need it to. I’ll eventually make the jump from 16gb of RAM to 32gb when I can. I do a fair bit of work with VM’s, so the more RAM the better.
At the moment, for anything super intensive (like virtualising ESXi and VM’s on top of it), I am using the PC I built earlier this year. It’s fast enough to probably last me a good 5 years. Also supports up to 64gb of RAM which is handy. Will add more SSD storage when the storage drive performance finally causes me to lose my mind.
@Colin1942
A 2009 iMac, especially if one with an upgraded CPU/GPU, should be fine for another year or two. Really, it just depends on what you do with it. If it covers your needs and doesn’t have gaping security holes because of its age, then no need to upgrade.
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To answer the original question posted by @Colin1942, what it means when your machine goes obsolete is that Apple and Apple Authorised Service Providers are unable to order any parts for your machine. Of course, they’re still able to perform software diagnosis and replace Apple parts with third-party equivalents where possible (hard drive, RAM), but that’s about it.
Does that sound about right, @iMic?
You would be correct there @bennyling. A computer in vintage or obsolete status is unable to be repaired by Apple Authorised Service Providers or Apple Stores because the service parts needed are simply no longer available for it, presumably because Apple is no longer refurbishing service parts and components for these models. Components like Hard Drives and RAM are mostly standard off-the-shelf components so in theory those could still be replaced with third-party equivalents should they fail or require replacement. Whether Apple guidelines allow for such repairs is another story and I can guarantee the Genius Bar won’t be installing any third party components any time soon, so as far as they’re concerned, these machines are no longer repairable.
The Vintage or Obsolete status of a machine is not necessarily tied to whether it receives software updates or not. The Mid 2007 iMacs and 2007 MacBook Pro models were marked as obsolete back in June, but are still supported by OS X El Capitan.
The Late 2009 series iMacs are still capable machines. I still see them in photo studios and production houses ticking away without missing a beat and more than adequate performance. Personally I still want one of the older 21.5" models because I feel it would suit my workspace and needs extremely well. These were decent machines with solid performance and reliability, and it’ll almost be a shame to see them go from the service bench. That said considering the 2007 iMacs are still supported by the latest software, I don’t see any reason why software updates for the 2009 models will cease any time soon.
I was happily reading this thread and thought 'Gee I wonder which iMac I’ve got", thinking that I had a 2011/12 model. I checked the About This Mac option and saw “Late 2009”. Yikes! I even checked the receipt and it was from Dec 2009. And I still think of this is the ‘new-ish’ computer.
Time flies when you are having fun I guess. Unless something goes bang I’d expect to be using it for a few years yet. Although in all fairness I’m not really a power user.
A 2009 iMac with an SSD and maxed ram for a couple of hundered will put perform a brand new iMac entry level out of the box.
Don’t upgrade until it dies or you need something you don’t have now - but the entry level is not really much of an “upgrade”! If you’re handy, that model is easy to upgrade the HDD to SSD on as long as you heed a guide online and don’t open it for 30mins (from memory) after removing the power plug (to let the PSU discharge).
Hey jaysee,
Have you done this? I am keen to do mine. Can you suggest a guide (there are quite a few) I was going to go with Ramcity for Ram and SSD or is there a better option?
TIA
Joe
I replaced my 2008 iMac last year. It had a great run. I updated its drive to an Ssd about two years ago which made a huge difference. Pulling it apart wasn’t fun. Still an awesome machine which my parents now have and use almost everyday.
Going from a 256 MB graphics card to a 4GB card is noticeable haha.
When I first learn to used the Apple technician guide. (I was an AMCT and used to manage an apple certified service centre). It’s a bit fiddly but it’s not difficult if you’ve taken computers apart before. You’ll need a suction cup and set of torx screwdrivers.
Thanks.
Have pulled apart Intel Macs and heaps of G4’s years ago. Will have a go I reckon.
Sounds like it makes them quite useable again. Especially with teh price of a new 27" 
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Hi Joebire,
Let me know how your upgrade to ssd goes.
I have put additional 8 Gb of RAM into my old 2009 iMac and it still does everything I want.
Very interested in outcome of your machine modifications…
No worries. Im guessing it will be a holiday project. Still deciding on size of ssd. Its uses are home photo editing and an occasional wedding and runs Eye tv all day as well.