Apple has expanded its list of vintage and obsolete devices to include two more iPhone models: the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone 8. These smartphones are now deemed obsolete, and their service and repair options will be limited.
The Cupertino-based tech giant often discontinues hardware servicing for technologically outdated products due to the difficulties of acquiring components and conducting repairs, though it continues to maintain them via software updates.
The iPhone 7 Plus was released globally alongside the iPhone 7 in 2016. It was phased out in 2019, following the release of the iPhone 11 series. Meanwhile, Apple unveiled the iPhone 8 at its inaugural event at Apple Park in 2017.
It launched with 64GB storage capacity, alongside the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. The Cupertino-based tech giant discontinued the phone’s availability in 2020, following the arrival of the iPhone SE.
While all iPhone 7 Plus configurations have been marked as obsolete, only the 64GB and 256GB storage models of the iPhone 8 have been added to the list. It makes no mention of the 128GB model, which was available for purchase for a longer duration.
iPhone Models Deemed Vintage
- iPhone 4 (8GB)
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 6s (16GB, 64GB, 128GB)
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 (64GB, 256GB)
- iPhone 8 (PRODUCT)RED
- iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS Max
Which models does Apple categorize as vintage or obsolete?
According to Apple, a product is considered vintage if its distribution for sale ended more than five but less than seven years ago. They are still eligible for service and repairs, however, it is subject to the availability of parts.
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Meanwhile, the company considers a product obsolete if it has stopped selling it for more than seven years. Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) will no longer provide hardware services, including repairs, for such devices. Furthermore, service providers are unable to order components from Apple for products considered obsolete.
However, Mac laptops are still eligible for an extended repair term, specifically for the battery, for up to ten years from the date the model was last offered for sale, but this is still subject to parts availability.
Apple says Monster-branded Beats products are considered obsolete, regardless of when they were purchased. Some of the most popular vintage models are the original iPhone, iPhone 4, iPhone 6S, and iPhone X.
