Apple regularly updates its older product classification to determine their eligibility for official repairs. Today, two iPhones have become "vintage" and two iPads have become "obsolete."
iPhone 7 Plus and some iPhone 8s will soon no longer be repairable at Apple
The Apple brand has just added the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 (in their 64GB and 256GB versions) to its list of vintage products. This means that these models have not been sold for more than five years, but less than seven years. During this period, Apple no longer guarantees the availability of spare parts, although some repairs may still be available at Apple Stores or authorized centers, depending on stock levels.
It should be noted that this classification does not apply to the 128 GB iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus models, with the exception of the (PRODUCT)RED variant, which is also included in the vintage list. Here's the full list of "vintage" iPhones according to Apple:
- iPhone 4 (8GB)
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 6s (16GB / 64GB / 128GB)
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 (64GB / 256GB)
- iPhone 8 (PRODUCT)RED
- iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS Max
A quick reminder of Apple's usual policy: seven years after the products are discontinued, they are then classified as "obsolete." At this point, no more hardware repairs are provided, even through authorized partners.
Two iPads now officially obsolete
At the same time, the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 2 are changing status. Previously considered vintage, they are now classified as obsolete. As a result, Apple is no longer providing hardware support. Official parts are no longer available, and repairs through the Apple channel are becoming impossible.
For loyal users of these devices, it is therefore essential to turn to the independent repair market or consider a replacement.
Source: 9to5Mac
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