
Apple is gearing up for its biggest hardware event of the year in Cupertino, where the iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled. Ahead of the launch, the company has added a few older MacBooks and iPhones to its Vintage list, signaling the end of official support for these devices.
1. What is Apple’s Vintage List?
Apple defines a product as vintage when it has been out of the sales market for over five years but less than seven years.
Key points about Vintage products:
- Apple Stores and Authorized service Providers generally do not repair these devices.
- Some MacBooks may still be eligible for battery replacements for up to 10 years, depending on parts availability.
2. MacBooks Added to the Vintage List
Three MacBook models have now been officially marked as vintage:
- MacBook air (11-inch): Discontinued in october 2016; continued to sell via select resellers until 2018.
- MacBook Pro (13-inch): Discontinued in 2017.
- MacBook Pro (15-inch): Discontinued in 2017.
Owners of these devices may soon face limited service options for repairs and replacements.
3. iPhones Added to the Vintage List
Apple has also added two versions of the iphone 8 Plus to the Vintage list:
The iphone 8 Plus was released alongside the iphone X in 2017 and last received a software update with iOS 16 in 2022. The 128GB variant’s vintage status has not yet been confirmed.
4. Why Upgrade Now?
- Spare parts for Vintage devices are limited and may run out quickly.
- Apple won’t offer repairs for these models at its stores or authorized service providers, except for some battery replacements.
- Users are encouraged to consider upgrading to newer models for continued support and updates.
5. What Could Be Discontinued After iphone 17 Launch?
While not confirmed, apple may retire some current iphone models following the iphone 17 launch:
- iPhone 15 and iphone 15 Plus could be discontinued.
- iPhone 16 Pro and iphone 16 Pro Max may also be phased out, as apple typically does not sell two Pro models simultaneously.
6. Takeaway
Apple’s addition of older MacBooks and iPhones to the Vintage list is a clear signal for users to plan upgrades. With the iPhone 17 launch around the corner, it’s the perfect time to transition to newer devices and ensure continued access to software updates and repairs.