You don’t necessarily have to throw away an old Mac if it’s still working. You can install a newer macOS with a few patchers, but this is becoming increasingly difficult. Or you go into the Linux world. Or you can use Neverware Cloudready, an offshoot of Chrome OS. Neverware has now been taken over by Google for some time and the question was what will become of it.
Now there is the answer: Neverware Cloudready (it is still called that for the stable versions) becomes Chrome OS Flex. Flex, because it’s made for devices that weren’t born as Chromebooks, but spent their early lives as Macs, for example. Chrome OS Flex is planned for the following models:
So Google offers a modern and secure operating system for old hardware that Apple no longer considers worth supporting. Many will say: that doesn’t work at all, I’d rather buy a new Mac. But the bottom line is that it is better for everyone if devices are used for as long as possible. An old Mac with Chrome OS Flex can still be used as a surfing machine for many years to come. If you have any questions about data protection, you should also ask yourself whether Google is still the default search engine on your iPhone, for which Google pays Apple billions. Yes? Then why fear Chrome OS for an entry-level machine?
Of course, it would be better if Apple would continue to supply old hardware for longer. Apple is currently still supporting its own hardware for the longest time, so it’s difficult to criticize it. But now that Google supports third-party hardware, it might be time for Apple to come up with something. And we’re not expecting a full OS at all. Something along the lines of Chrome OS Flex would suffice: A small system with Safari, suitable for safe surfing and perhaps access to Apple Music, Apple TV+ and HomeKit. That would be something.
