Apple Updates Vintage and Obsolete Product Lists
Apple has officially added the iPhone 7 Plus and select models of the iPhone 8 to its vintage product lineup, marking the end of an era for two of the tech giant’s most beloved smartphones. At the same time, two iPad models have been shifted to the obsolete category, restricting access to official repairs and genuine spare parts.
What Does 'Vintage' Mean for iPhone Users?
According to Apple’s product classification, devices are marked as 'vintage' when more than five years have passed since their official sales were discontinued. For these models—including all variants of the iPhone 7 Plus and the 64GB and 256GB iPhone 8—official Apple Stores and authorized repair centers may offer repairs for up to two more years, subject to parts availability. Notably, the 128GB iPhone 8 and most iPhone 8 Plus versions, except for (PRODUCT)RED editions, are not included in this update.
Full List of Apple Vintage iPhones
The current vintage iPhone lineup includes:
- iPhone 4 (8GB)
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 6s (16GB/64GB/128GB)
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 (64GB and 256GB)
- iPhone 8 (PRODUCT)RED
- iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS Max
iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 2 Now Obsolete
In a parallel move, Apple has transferred the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 2 from the vintage to the obsolete category. Devices marked as 'obsolete' have surpassed seven years since their sales ended and are, for the most part, ineligible for repairs at Apple Stores or authorized service providers. While unofficial repair options may exist, access to original parts is no longer guaranteed.
Legacy, Features, and Market Impact
Both iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 represented major steps forward for Apple, with features like dual-lens cameras, advanced performance chips, and enhanced software experiences that left a lasting impression on users worldwide. Their transition to vintage status highlights the rapid pace of innovation in the smartphone industry and serves as a reminder for users to consider upgrading to more recent models for ongoing software and hardware support.
If you own one of these classic Apple devices and rely on official support, now may be the time to explore your upgrade options or seek repairs before service windows close.
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