my 2011 iMac is left on 24x7, still running strong (display goes to sleep). no issues with any components (256GB SSD & 1TB HD), I just can't upgrade the OS, because of the graphics card (Radeon HD 6970M 2GB). Not sure when I'll upgrade, the latest iMac I don't find compelling, and the tower is too expensive.
you may be able to use Opencore legacy patcher and have the latest OS. I do on a 2013 and it works great. Mr. Macintosh has a YouTube walkthrough
However, leaving a laptop continuous plugged in will ruin your battery.
This hasn't been true for quite a long time. While nickel-based batteries (NiCd and NiMh) suffer from a "memory effect" if they're perpetually connected to a charger, Lithium batteries don't behave that way.
Lithium battery lifespan is mostly a function of the number of charge cycles and it's overall age. Keeping it on a charger 24x7 shouldn't affect it unless the charger circuitry is broken. Letting is completely drain, however, can kill a battery. Normally, the battery's controller circuitry will cut it off before it drains enough to become an issue, but if it is allowed to drain on a shelf, charge levels can drop enough that it will not longer be able to take a charge.
Yes, there are some charging habits that can extend a battery's lifespan a bit (e.g. only fast-charge to 80% and then slow-charge the rest of the way), leaving a charger connected to maintain a full charge when it is at maximum won't ruin anything unless the charging circuitry is faulty.
I was told by an Apple specialist that leaving my MBP 16” plugged in all the time would degrade the battery over time.
I don't believe him. I'd ask him for some kind of document (from Apple or elsewhere). I think he's just repeating rumors, like so many other Apple Store employees have been known to do.
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I don't believe him. I'd ask him for some kind of document (from Apple or elsewhere). I think he's just repeating rumors, like so many other Apple Store employees have been known to do.