Apple has been updating its list of vintage and obsolete products over the past several months, and a surprisingly long roster of once-popular devices has now officially entered the twilight zone of hardware support.
From iPhones to MacBooks to Apple Watches, here’s what’s changed and what it means for your device.
What ‘vintage’ and ‘obsolete’ actually mean
Before the panic sets in, it’s worth understanding what Apple’s labels actually mean in practice.
According to Apple supporta product is considered vintage when the company stopped distributing it for sale more than five years ago, but less than 7 years ago. In that window, Apple Stores and authorized service providers can still attempt repairs, but only if the necessary parts are still in stock. It’s a conditional service, not a guarantee.
Once that seven-year mark is reached, the device enters obsolete status. At that point, Apple discontinues all hardware servicing for the product, and service providers can no longer order parts through Apple’s supply chain.
One important detail: the clock starts from the last date Apple distributed the product for sale, not the date it launched. Some models stayed in Apple’s sales channels longer than others, which is why devices from the same era don’t always cross these thresholds at the same time.
The devices that just made the list
iPhones
Some of Apple’s most iconic phones are now officially vintage.
The iPhone 11 Pro, Apple’s first-ever “Pro” iPhone, which introduced the triple-camera system back in 2019, entered vintage status as of Jan., TechRepublic previously reported. Joining it are the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and several variants of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, including the (PRODUCT)RED edition, are also on the worldwide vintage list, alongside the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. Meanwhile, older models like the iPhone 5 and the 8GB iPhone 4 are now obsolete, meaning Apple and authorized providers will generally no longer service them.
Apple Watch
The entire Apple Watch Series 5 lineup is now vintage, every size, finish, and edition, including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, Nike, and Hermès models. The Series 5, released in 2019, was notable for introducing the always-on display that has since become a staple of the product line. Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 4 are also on the vintage list.
iPads
All variants of the iPad Air 3, both Wi-Fi and cellular models, are now vintage worldwide.
Released in March 2019, the iPad Air 3 was one of the last iPads to feature a Lightning connector and a Home button before Apple shifted to USB-C and an all-screen design. It was discontinued in September 2020. Notably, the device had a known “blank screen” issue that prompted Apple to launch a repair program in March 2020, where screens would flicker before going permanently dark.
The iPad mini 4, on the other hand, has moved past vintage entirely; it is now obsolete, meaning hardware repairs through Apple and authorized service providers are no longer available.
Other iPads on the vintage list include the iPad Pro 10.5-inch, the iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation), the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), and the iPad (6th generation).
MacBooks
On the Mac side, several beloved MacBook models have been added to the vintage list.
The MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017), the last MacBook Air before Apple introduced the Retina display redesign, was recently added, along with the MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018, 2019, and 2020) models. Multiple generations of the MacBook Pro are listed as well, including the 13-inch and 15-inch models from 2017 through 2019, and the iconic MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015).
The 2018 Mac mini is also now vintage, as is the Mac Pro (Late 2013), the cylindrical “trash can” model that was polarising in its day.
AirPods and Apple TV
The AirPods (1st generation) have made the vintage list as well. And if you’re still using an older Apple TV, things are worse: the Apple TV HD (32GB) has been marked obsolete, along with the 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-generation Apple TV models.
What should you do?
So, should you panic if your device is on the list? Not necessarily, but you should be careful.
If your device is currently vintage, the repair window is still open but shrinking. For obsolete devices, third-party repair shops can still attempt repairs, but they’ll use salvaged or aftermarket components rather than Apple-supplied parts. It’s possible, just less predictable.
The only small silver lining is for Mac users. Apple notes that some Mac laptops might still be eligible for battery-only repairs for up to 10 years, though this is still “subject to parts availability.”
Also worth a read: Apple just patched a serious iOS 18 “Darksword” exploit, so here’s what you need to know to keep your device secure.