Apple updates Obsolete list, many old Macs will no longer be supported for repair

Apple products are constantly evolving, so it makes sense for the company to adopt a “kill the old” strategy to make way for the new. With just a few weeks to go before the launch of the M4 Mac, Apple has shelved nine older models and stopped supporting them for repairs.

9 Mac models on the "Obsolete" list

As of today, Apple's support site has added nine Mac models from the 2015-2016 lineup to its "worldwide obsolete products" list. According to Apple, a product is considered obsolete when it "has ceased to be available for sale more than seven years ago."

Essentially, this means you can no longer take these models to a Genius Bar for service or repair. While you can try Apple’s Self Service Repair program or a third-party repair location, neither you nor the store can order any necessary parts from Apple.

Here are the models added to the obsolete list today:

In addition to these outdated computers, Apple has also added three models to the company's "Vintage" list.

What is the difference between Apple Vintage and Obsolete products?

If an Apple product's lifespan moves from new to obsolete, "Vintage" is the name for the state in between. When Apple hasn't sold a product for more than 5 years but less than 7 years, it's considered vintage.

If you own a vintage Apple product, you can still take it to a Genius Bar or third-party repair location for service. However, Apple admits that those repairs are “subject to parts availability.” In other words, there are no guarantees, and repairing a vintage Mac may take longer than a newer model.

Here are three new additions to Apple's vintage list:

If you have an older Mac that Apple considers obsolete, there’s not much you can do at this point other than let it live out its last days in the wild. On the other hand, if you have one of the models that’s just been added to the vintage list, you should get it checked out before it expires. While it’s hard to say goodbye, I’m really looking forward to seeing the M4-powered Mac when it launches in a few weeks.