diff --git a/specutils/utils/quantity_model.py b/specutils/utils/quantity_model.py
index 07ec57064..6645a0926 100644
--- a/specutils/utils/quantity_model.py
+++ b/specutils/utils/quantity_model.py
@@ -1,7 +1,10 @@
+import numpy as np
 from astropy import units as u
 
 __all__ = ['QuantityModel']
 
+_NUMPY_COPY_IF_NEEDED = False if np.__version__.startswith("1.") else None
+
 
 class QuantityModel:
     """
@@ -72,4 +75,4 @@ def __repr__(self):
     def __call__(self, x, *args, **kwargs):
         unitlessx = x.to(self.input_units).value
         result = self.unitless_model(unitlessx, *args, **kwargs)
-        return u.Quantity(result, self.return_units, copy=False)
+        return u.Quantity(result, self.return_units, copy=_NUMPY_COPY_IF_NEEDED)