Apple has just updated its list of “vintage” and “obsolete” devices on its website, a move that tech-savvy people understand as a signal for the end of hardware support.
According to the company’s policy, products that are no longer sold within 5 to 7 years will be considered “vintage,” meaning that repairs will depend on the availability of spare parts. After 7 years, the device will be deemed “obsolete,” resulting in the complete discontinuation of official support from Apple.
In this update, the iPhone 7 Plus and the 64GB and 256GB variants of the iPhone 8 have officially joined the vintage ranks. Notably, the 128GB version of the iPhone 8 has evaded this classification, while the iPhone 8 Plus is only affected in the PRODUCT(RED) color option.
The iPhone 7 Plus has been deemed “vintage” by Apple. Image: Apple
The current list of vintage iPhones includes iconic models such as the iPhone 4, iPhone 5, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, the first-generation iPhone SE, and the iPhone X and XS Max.
Meanwhile, the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 2 have been moved from “vintage” to “obsolete,” signaling the end of their reign as popular tablets. This change implies that users will no longer receive authorized repair services, even at authorized service centers.
While not as dramatic as a new product launch, this quiet move by Apple serves as a subtle reminder that older devices, no matter how beloved, will eventually need to make way for the next generation. For users still holding onto their iPhone 7 Plus or iPad mini 2, now may be the time to consider upgrading before replacement parts become scarce.
Reference: 9to5Mac
