Apple Updates Vintage and Obsolete Product List Ahead of iPhone 17 Launch
As anticipation builds for the upcoming launch of the iPhone 17, Apple has revised its official inventory of vintage and obsolete products by adding four new devices. Among these updates, three Mac models are making their final exit from Apple’s support, while one iPhone model will receive limited assistance from the tech giant.
Products Added to Apple’s Vintage and Obsolete List
According to a recent announcement on Apple’s support page, the following products have been designated as vintage or obsolete:
- MacBook Pro 15-inch (2017)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (2017, with Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Air 11-inch (Early 2015)
- iPhone 8 Plus (available in 64GB and 256GB variants)
Understanding Apple’s Classification System
Apple designates a product as obsolete after a period of seven years from the date it was last sold. This classification indicates that the company will cease providing hardware and software support for these devices. However, there is an exception: MacBooks may still qualify for battery service only, available for up to 10 years post-sale, contingent on the availability of parts.
A Look Back: The 11-inch MacBook Air
The 11-inch MacBook Air made its debut in 2010, showcasing a sleek tapered unibody design alongside the larger 13-inch model. Apple consistently refreshed the smaller laptop annually with various improvements until 2015, when production was halted.
The Evolution of the MacBook Pro
The recently obsolete MacBook Pro models were successors to the redesigned versions introduced in 2016. Notably, these models included the now-discontinued Touch Bar—a digital interface that replaced traditional function keys with an OLED strip located above the keyboard. This innovation quickly became a controversial feature among users.
Controversy Surrounding the Butterfly Keyboard
These MacBook Pro models are also reminders of Apple’s Butterfly Keyboard debacle, which led to one of the company’s most significant technical criticisms, culminating in a $50 million class-action lawsuit.
iPhone 8 Plus Joins Vintage Ranks
In addition to the Mac devices, Apple has classified the iPhone 8 Plus (with both 64GB and 256GB configurations) as vintage. This classification occurs when a product is no longer sold for over five years but under seven years.
Repair Eligibility and Future Updates
Devices tagged as vintage remain eligible for repairs at Apple Stores and authorized service centers, depending on parts availability. However, these products will no longer receive updates for new operating systems or features.
Notable Exceptions
It is important to note that variants of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, specifically the Product Red versions, were previously included in the vintage category. The iPhone 8 series was launched in 2017, although the 64GB and 256GB models of the iPhone 8 Plus continued retailing until the release of the second-generation iPhone SE in 2020.
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