The life span of most gadgets is — relatively speaking — rather limited. Apple has a different policy for its ‘older’ products. What it does is that it places in two categories: Vintage products and Obsolete products. Here we explain what exactly are Apple Vintage and Obsolete products and what it means:
What are Vintage Apple products?
A Vintage Apple product is one that doesn’t get regular software products. A standout feature about the iPhone, iPad or Mac is that it continues to get software updates for a minimum of five years. But a Vintage product doesn’t stand to get any updates and Apple also doesn’t promise repairs or service to these products. On its support page, Apple explains, “Products are considered vintage when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 5 and less than 7 years ago.” This doesn’t mean that the device will stop working but it’s just that the shelf life is further refused when a user doesn’t get regular updates.
What are Obsolete Apple products?
While the word obsolete may sound a bit definitive in nature, Apple explains that “Products are considered obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 7 years ago.” In other words, you don’t get any updates and in addition to that Apple will not repair or service them at all. In fact, even service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products. So any product that has been launched around 2013 or 2014 is likely to be — or will get sooner than later — on the Obsolete products.
Does Apple make any exceptions to the Vintage and Obsolete products?
In all likelihood, Apple is rather strict about it and very few exceptions are made. However, some do exist. For example, Mac notebooks may be eligible for an extended battery-only repair period for up to 10 years from when the product was last sold. However, this depends on the availability.
What products fall under the Vintage and Obsolete categories?
Almost every Apple product — from the iPhone to Apple Watch — can be found on the list. For example, the iPhone 6 Plus was put on the Vintage list in December 2021. Likewise, the fourth-generation iPad 2 which was launched in 2012 went on the Obsolete list. You will find a lot of older MacBook models on the list. The first-generation Apple Watch is also on the Vintage list of products. Apple regularly updates the list on one of its support pages on the company’s official website.
