Today, Apple has announced updates to its vintage and obsolete product listings, marking a significant moment for the Intel Mac mini.
iPhone 6s and the final Intel Mac mini receive ‘vintage’ status
Apple consistently updates its expansive list of vintage and obsolete products.
This update was noted today by MacRumors, highlighting two significant additions to the “vintage” category:
- iPhone 6s
- Mac mini (2018)
The Mac mini from 2018 is particularly noteworthy as it was the last Intel model yet to be classified as vintage or obsolete.
Apple designates these statuses based on how long it has been since a product was last offered for sale.
So, what are the specific timelines for these statuses?
According to Apple’s definitions:
- Vintage: “Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 5 but less than 7 years ago.”
- Obsolete: “Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 7 years ago.”
Service and parts availability linked to vintage and obsolete status
Despite the iPhone 6s debuting in 2015, it’s now added to the vintage list alongside the 2018 Mac mini due to Apple’s extended sales period for that particular iPhone compared to the final Intel Mac mini.
As these products are now labeled vintage, Apple does not guarantee the availability of parts for repairs.
For the first 5 years following a product’s last sale, Apple commits to ensuring service and parts are accessible. However, with the vintage designation applied, support may be limited or unavailable.
Once the 7-year “obsolete” mark is reached, Apple officially ceases to provide service or parts.
Currently, Intel Mac minis from 2018 and 2014 are classified as vintage, while all earlier models are considered obsolete.
Are you still using an Intel Mac mini? Share your thoughts in the comments!
