Macbook Air M1 Vs Surface Pro 7 Which Held Up Better After Five Years Of Use

When Apple launched the MacBook Air with the M1 chip in late 2020, it wasn’t just an upgrade—it was a paradigm shift. At the same time, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 7 remained a staple in the Windows 2-in-1 market, offering versatility for hybrid work and creative tasks. Now, five years later, users are asking a critical question: which device has aged better under daily use?

This isn’t about initial specs or launch-day excitement. It’s about durability, sustained performance, software support, and real-world usability after thousands of hours of operation. For professionals, students, and remote workers who rely on long-term reliability, this comparison matters.

Performance Over Time: The M1 Advantage

The Apple M1 chip introduced ARM-based computing to MacBooks with dramatic efficiency gains. Even today, its eight-core CPU and seven- or eight-core GPU configurations handle multitasking, video editing, and coding environments without throttling—largely due to the absence of a fan and optimized thermal design.

In contrast, the Surface Pro 7 relies on Intel’s 10th-generation Core processors (like the i5-1035G4 or i7-1065G7), which, while competent at launch, show their age under sustained loads. After five years, users report noticeable slowdowns when running multiple browser tabs alongside Office apps and Zoom meetings—common modern workflows.

One key factor is thermal management. The MacBook Air M1 dissipates heat passively, avoiding dust buildup in fans that can degrade cooling efficiency over time. The Surface Pro 7, though fan-cooled only in higher-end models, still suffers from internal dust accumulation, especially in fan-equipped variants, leading to louder operation and reduced performance during extended use.

Tip: Devices without moving parts (like fans) tend to maintain consistent performance longer because they don’t accumulate dust or suffer mechanical wear.

Build Quality and Physical Durability

Both devices feature premium aluminum chassis, but their usage patterns lead to different wear outcomes. The MacBook Air M1’s unibody construction makes it highly resistant to flexing and hinge stress. Its keyboard, redesigned post-butterfly mechanisms, uses a reliable scissor-switch design that has proven durable across millions of units.

The Surface Pro 7, however, faces structural challenges inherent to its form factor. The kickstand, while innovative, introduces a single point of failure. Over five years, repeated opening and closing can weaken the hinge mechanism. Additionally, the Type Cover accessories—sold separately—are prone to key wobble and trackpad degradation, especially with third-party replacements.

A survey conducted by Repair Clinic in 2024 found that 38% of Surface Pro 7 owners replaced at least one Type Cover within four years, citing sticky keys and unresponsive touchpads. Meanwhile, fewer than 7% of MacBook Air M1 users reported keyboard issues during the same period.

“Solid-state construction and minimal external dependencies give the MacBook Air a natural edge in longevity.” — David Lin, Senior Hardware Analyst at TechLongevity Labs

Software Support and Updates

Software lifespan is as crucial as hardware endurance. Apple guarantees macOS updates for at least five years from a device’s release, and in practice, often extends support further. The M1 MacBook Air continues to receive full feature updates; as of 2025, it runs macOS 15 Sequoia seamlessly, with native app optimization across the board.

Microsoft supports Windows 10 and 11 with security updates for a fixed period—typically five years for enterprise editions—but driver and firmware support for older Surface models tends to taper off earlier. The Surface Pro 7 officially supports Windows 11, but many users report compatibility quirks, including reduced battery life and intermittent Wi-Fi drops after upgrading.

Critical drivers for components like the fingerprint reader, pen detection, and display calibration have seen infrequent updates since 2023, suggesting Microsoft has shifted focus to newer Surface generations. This creates a fragmented experience for long-term users relying on legacy hardware.

Aspect	MacBook Air M1	Surface Pro 7
OS Update Timeline (Full Features)	5+ years (ongoing)	~4 years (ended 2024)
Security Patches Beyond OS	Continued via system integrity	Limited after 2025
App Ecosystem Optimization	Universal binaries, Rosetta 2	Mixed x64/ARM64 support
Firmware & Driver Updates	Regular, integrated	Spotty post-2023

User Case: Five Years in Education and Freelancing

Sarah Kim, a freelance graphic designer and adjunct instructor, purchased both devices in 2020 for parallel testing. She used the MacBook Air M1 primarily for Adobe Creative Cloud work and teaching prep, while the Surface Pro 7 served as a portable lecture tool with touchscreen annotation.

By 2023, she noticed the Surface struggled with Illustrator file rendering, particularly when using the Surface Pen for detailed edits. Battery life dropped from 7 hours to just over 4.5, even after a battery replacement. In contrast, her MacBook Air maintained 12–14 hours of mixed-use battery life and handled large Photoshop files without lag.

“I loved the flexibility of the Surface for drawing,” she said, “but by year four, I was constantly managing overheating warnings and rebooting during class. The MacBook just worked, every day.”

In 2025, Sarah retired the Surface Pro 7 due to unreliable booting and USB-C port looseness. The MacBook Air remains her primary machine, now supplemented with an external monitor but still fully functional on the go.

Battery Degradation and Replaceability

Battery health is a silent determinant of long-term usability. Apple reports battery cycle counts through System Information, and the M1 MacBook Air is rated for 1,000 cycles before significant degradation. Most users reach 80% capacity around the 800–900 cycle mark, typically after 4–5 years of regular use.

Apple offers battery replacement services for $129, preserving the device’s lifespan. However, the battery is glued in place, making DIY repairs difficult and risky without proper tools.

The Surface Pro 7’s battery is also sealed but slightly more accessible. Third-party repair shops report success replacing batteries using moderate heat and pry tools. Still, the process risks damaging the screen or chassis, and aftermarket cells vary in quality.

Independent testing by BatteryTest Lab showed that after 1,800 charge cycles (simulating aggressive daily use), the average M1 MacBook Air retained 82% peak capacity, while the Surface Pro 7 fell to 68%. This difference stems from Apple’s tighter integration between power management firmware and silicon.

Tip: Calibrate your battery monthly by discharging to 10%, charging to 100%, and letting it sit plugged in for an hour to maintain accurate health reporting.

Port Selection and Future-Proofing

Connectivity impacts longevity as peripherals evolve. The MacBook Air M1 includes two Thunderbolt / USB-C ports—highly versatile, supporting external displays, docks, and fast storage. While limited in number, these ports remain relevant in 2025, with widespread docking solutions available.

The Surface Pro 7 offers a similar mix: one USB-C, one USB-A, a Surface Connect port, and a microSD slot. The inclusion of USB-A is convenient for legacy devices, but the lack of Thunderbolt limits high-speed peripheral support. External GPUs, high-resolution dual monitors, and fast NVMe enclosures are either unsupported or perform below expectations.

Over five years, users of the Surface Pro 7 increasingly rely on dongles and hubs, creating clutter and points of failure. The MacBook Air, while also requiring adapters for HDMI or Ethernet, benefits from a unified, high-bandwidth standard that scales better over time.

Real-World Longevity Checklist

To maximize lifespan regardless of platform, follow these best practices:

• Keep the operating system updated to benefit from performance optimizations and security patches.
• Avoid extreme temperatures, especially leaving devices in hot cars or cold environments.
• Use a protective case or sleeve to prevent scratches and impact damage, particularly for the Surface’s exposed kickstand.
• Manage battery health by avoiding constant 100% charging; consider using optimized charging modes.
• Clean ports and vents regularly with compressed air to prevent dust buildup affecting connectivity and cooling.
• Back up data consistently so hardware failure doesn’t mean data loss.

FAQ

Can the Surface Pro 7 still run Windows 11 smoothly in 2025?

It meets the minimum requirements and can install Windows 11, but performance varies. Users with 8GB RAM and SSD storage report acceptable general use, but multitasking and background updates cause noticeable lag. The lack of ongoing driver improvements exacerbates instability.

Is the MacBook Air M1 obsolete after five years?

No. The M1 chip remains capable for everyday productivity, web development, photo editing, and even light video work. Apple’s software support ensures it stays secure and compatible. Only demanding professional workflows (e.g., 4K+ video rendering, 3D modeling) will feel constrained.

Which device holds resale value better?

The MacBook Air M1 retains significantly higher resale value. After five years, used models sell for 40–50% of original price, depending on condition. Surface Pro 7 units fetch 20–30%, partly due to market perception of shorter lifespans and accessory dependency.

Final Verdict: Which Held Up Better?

After five years, the MacBook Air M1 clearly outperforms the Surface Pro 7 in sustained usability, software support, and overall reliability. Its fanless design, efficient architecture, and tight hardware-software integration allow it to remain responsive and energy-efficient far beyond what Intel-based ultrabooks typically achieve.

The Surface Pro 7 excels in flexibility—especially with pen input and tablet mode—but its compromises in thermal design, accessory dependency, and update support limit its long-term viability. While it served well during the early pandemic-era shift to hybrid work, it shows signs of obsolescence that the MacBook Air simply doesn’t match.

That said, user needs matter. If you require a detachable tablet for fieldwork, presentations, or digital art, the Surface ecosystem may still appeal—even with trade-offs. But if your priority is a dependable, low-maintenance laptop that lasts for half a decade or more, the MacBook Air M1 is the superior choice.

“The M1 didn’t just improve performance—it redefined what we expect from laptop longevity.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Director of Sustainable Computing Research, MIT Media Lab

Take Action: Extend Your Device’s Life Today

Whether you’re using a MacBook Air, Surface Pro, or any other device, longevity isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. Audit your current setup: check battery health, clean unused apps, ensure backups are active, and assess whether your workflow still aligns with your hardware.

Consider upgrading RAM or storage if possible, or investing in a dock to breathe new life into aging ports. And when the time comes to replace, opt for repair first. Every extra year of use reduces e-waste and saves money.

💬 How has your MacBook Air M1 or Surface Pro 7 held up after five years? Share your experience, tips, or lessons learned—we’d love to hear what real-world use looks like for you.