Apple has updated its vintage and obsolete products list, designating the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus as ‘vintage.’ Originally launched in 2018 and 2015, these models have reached a significant point in their product life cycle, meaning they’re no longer the latest technology.
Apple labels a product as ‘vintage’ when it’s been over five years since it was last sold as new. After reaching this status, getting repairs or replacement parts from Apple or authorized service centers becomes more uncertain. Whether support is available depends on part availability and the nature of the issue. Until a product reaches the five-year mark, full support is offered, but once it’s vintage, keeping your device running smoothly might become more challenging.
Interestingly, the iPhone 6s Plus with 32GB storage has already reached ‘obsolete’ status, which is a further step beyond vintage. For obsolete products, Apple halts all support, and users can no longer get repairs or new parts from Apple. The only remaining option is third-party repairs or replacing the device.
Once a product hits ‘obsolete’ status, typically seven years after it was last sold, Apple stops all support. This includes no repairs or part replacements, pushing users to either seek third-party services or consider upgrading to a new device. However, certain MacBook models can still get battery replacements under specific conditions for up to ten years.
In addition to the iPhones, the update also affects the Apple Watch Series 2. The aluminum and stainless steel models are now obsolete, while the ceramic version remains vintage. If you’re using a Series 2, now is the time to get any repairs done before support completely ends.
For those still using these older devices, this update is a reminder to consider the future. While repairs may still be possible for vintage products, they are becoming increasingly difficult. For obsolete devices, options are very limited, and upgrading is likely the best choice. With technology evolving rapidly, hanging on to older gadgets can become more trouble than it’s worth, making a new purchase a sensible option.
