Apple Marks More Devices as Vintage or Obsolete

Apple has officially updated its ongoing list of vintage and obsolete products, adding three more devices to the categories that signal the end of guaranteed hardware support, as spotted by MacRumors.

This latest move affects a range of older hardware, including a popular MacBook Pro model and two specific iPad versions. For users still holding onto these devices, the change marks a significant shift in how hey can get their tech repaired at an Apple Store.

Apple classifies a product as “vintage” once it has been off the market for more than five years but less than seven years. During this window, Apple and its partners may still offer repairs, but only if the necessary parts are still sitting in a warehouse. There is no longer a guarantee that a technician can fix your screen or replace a dying battery.

Once a device passes the seven-year mark since it was last distributed for sale, it becomes “obsolete.” At this stage, Apple stops all hardware service for the product. Service providers are also unable to order official parts for these machines. Essentially, if an obsolete device breaks, owners are left to find third-party repair shops or hunt for used parts on the secondary market.

The most notable addition to the list this time around is the 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt 3 ports. This laptop was a staple for students and office workers for years, but it has now officially crossed into the vintage category.

Additionally, two iPad models have been moved to the obsolete list. These include the second-generation iPad Air and the iPad mini 2. Since these are now fully obsolete, Apple will no longer provide any hardware service for them.