Six Apple Devices Labeled Vintage, Risking Future Repair Availability
Apple has added six products to its “vintage” list, including devices released less than a decade ago. Labeling a product as “vintage” means Apple stopped selling it over five years ago, limiting repair options. Three other devices moved to the “obsolete” category, ending all official support.
Apple’s 2013 Mac Pro (left) and other devices now classified as “vintage” or “obsolete” (file photos).
What “Vintage” and “Obsolete” Mean
“Vintage” products (discontinued 5–7 years ago) may receive limited repairs if parts are available. “Obsolete” items (discontinued over seven years ago) lose all hardware support. Apple’s iPhone 16 will eventually join this list, highlighting concerns about tech longevity and e-waste.
New Additions to the Lists
Vintage:
- 2013 Mac Pro (“trash can” design)
- 2019 13-inch MacBook Air
- 2019 iMac
- 2018 11-inch & 12.9-inch iPad Pro
- iPhone 8 (128GB, 2017)
Obsolete:
- AirPort Express
- AirPort Time Capsules (2TB/3TB)
- 802.11ac AirPort Extreme
The 2013 Mac Pro, criticized for its design, is now “vintage.”
Criticism Over Short Device Lifespans
Apple faces backlash for accelerating e-waste. The 2018 iPad Pro and iPhone 8, once praised as groundbreaking, are now unsupported. A 2020 UK report accused tech firms of fueling an “e-waste tsunami” by designing short-lived products.
Discarded electronics contribute to 62 million tons of annual e-waste globally.
Recycling Options
To reduce waste, consumers can:
- Trade in old devices via Apple’s program.
- Use services like Recycle Now to locate drop-off points.
- Repurpose devices for secondary uses (e.g., smart home controllers).
Recycling prevents toxic chemicals from polluting air and groundwater. Apple encourages global trade-ins but faces calls to extend product viability.
