Apple adds several iPhone and Watch models to its obsolete product list

Apple has recently added to its list of obsolete and vintage devices, including popular smartphones such as the iPhone XS Max, iPhone 6s Plus, and some variants of the Apple Watch Series 2.

Products listed as obsolete

For those who don’t know, the list of obsolete and vintage Apple devices includes products that the company has stopped selling for more than 5 years up to 7 years. A product will be officially considered obsolete by Apple after 7 years from the end of its sale.

In this case, the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus—originally released in 2018 and 2015, respectively—are now designated as vintage. These are also products that Apple stopped selling more than five years ago. Even though the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus were released three years apart, the iPhone 6s Plus has been on sale for significantly longer than the XS Max, which is why they were added to the vintage list at the same time.

Similarly, an Apple product that has been discontinued for more than seven years can be considered “obsolete.” The Apple Watch Series 2, which comes in different variants—38mm, 42mm, aluminum, stainless steel—is currently classified as obsolete by Apple. Originally released in 2016, the product line has a long lifespan, as have the MacBook models that Apple added to the obsolete list last month.

Apple Watch Series 4 and many other products are now considered vintage

This time around, the company has added the iconic Apple Watch Series 4 to its list of classic products, as well as one of the last Intel Macs launched by the company.

As of January 2, 2025, all variants of the Apple Watch Series 4 are considered “vintage” worldwide (according to MacRumors). This includes the 40mm and 44mm aluminum and stainless steel versions. The Apple Watch Series 4 was announced in September 2018. It was the first major redesign of the Apple Watch, with a larger display, slimmer bezels, and more rounded corners.

But the Series 4 is also known for more than just a redesign. Official images of the product were leaked by 9to5Mac a few days before Apple's event, along with images of the iPhone XS.

For those who don’t know, Apple considers a product “vintage” when it has been out of production for more than five years. Vintage products are still eligible for repair as long as parts are available. With the release of watchOS 11 this year, Apple officially ended software support for the Apple Watch Series 4, with watchOS 10 being the last major update.

In this regard, Apple has also added the 2019 15-inch MacBook Pro to its vintage list. This was the last 15-inch MacBook Pro released by Apple – it was replaced that same year by the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which was the last to feature an Intel processor. However, unlike the Series 4, the 2019 MacBook Pro can still run the latest version of macOS.

In July 2024, the iPhone X, first generation AirPods, and original HomePod were also added to the list of vintage products.

What is the difference between vintage and obsolete products?

It’s important to note that there’s an important difference between Apple’s criteria for vintage and obsolete products. First, obsolete devices can’t be repaired by Apple because Apple no longer supplies the corresponding parts (this doesn’t apply to MacBook batteries). However, owners of vintage devices can continue to have their devices serviced and repaired at Apple Stores and authorized service providers for up to two years, provided that Apple and its partners have parts available.

However, there’s no guarantee that Apple will have a replacement screen for the classic iPhone 6S Plus. Outdated products, including the Apple Watch Series 2, are no longer eligible for Apple hardware service, and service providers can’t order parts for them. This marks the end of official repair options for these devices, although you can still repair them yourself or with the help of an unauthorized service technician.

There is an exception for certain outdated MacBook models, which may be eligible for extended battery-only repairs up to 10 years after the product’s final sale date, depending on parts availability. Unfortunately, this exception does not apply to iPhones or Apple Watches, which were added to Apple’s vintage and obsolete list today.