Apple has recently updated its inventory of vintage and obsolete products, including the iPhone XS Max, a number of Apple Watch models, and other devices. Here’s an overview of what this entails.
Two new vintage products and four obsolete items
The new listings were discovered by Joe Rossignol at MacRumors and follow Apple’s recent classification of multiple Macs and iPads as vintage just last month.
Here’s a summary of what has been included in the latest update:
Recently Added as Vintage
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 6s Plus
Recently Declared Obsolete
- Apple Watch Series 2, Aluminum (2nd generation), 38mm
- Apple Watch Series 2, Aluminum (2nd generation), 42mm
- Apple Watch Series 2, Stainless Steel (2nd generation), 38mm
- Apple Watch Series 2, Stainless Steel (2nd generation), 42mm
It’s noteworthy that the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus are being classified as vintage simultaneously, despite their release being three years apart. The 6s Plus launched in 2015, while the XS Max was released in 2018.
Apple’s classifications of vintage and obsolete depend on the date a product is discontinued rather than its launch date. Thus, the iPhone 6s Plus enjoyed an extended presence in the market compared to the XS Max.
Definitions used by Apple for vintage and obsolete products
Here are Apple’s definitions for these categories:
- Vintage: Products are categorized as vintage if they were discontinued more than 5 years ago but less than 7.
- Obsolete: Products are considered obsolete if they were discontinued for more than 7 years. Consequently, Monster-branded Beats products are labeled obsolete regardless of the purchase date. Apple ceases all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers are unable to order parts for these items. However, Mac laptops may qualify for extended battery-only repair for up to 10 years from the last sale date, subject to parts availability.
Essentially, these classifications are strictly related to the timeline, without any other influencing factors.
The implications of these designations pertain to a device’s repair options. Vintage items may still be repairable through Apple, if parts are accessible, whereas obsolete products cannot be repaired.
Was there anything in today’s vintage and obsolete updates that surprised you? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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