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Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 17 series on September 9, but ahead of the event, it has added a new iPhone model to its vintage list and classified three Mac models as obsolete. This update highlights Apple’s regular product cycle, where older devices are phased out as the company gears up for its next big release.

By @TheLazyAvenger – Four more Apple devices from several years ago are now a part of the company’s vintage and obsolete devices list. #Apple #MacBook #iPhone https://t.co/YrxgnsHNV3 — NeowinFeed (@NeowinFeed) September 1, 2025

Apple has confirmed that while vintage devices like the iPhone XS may still be eligible for repairs at Apple Stores and authorised service providers, this depends entirely on whether replacement parts are still available. The iPhone XS, launched in September 2018 and discontinued the following year after the iPhone 11’s debut, lingered in circulation through resellers, delaying its move to the vintage list until now. Having crossed the five-year mark, it has finally earned its vintage status.

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Looking ahead, the iPhone XS will be considered fully obsolete within the next two years. Once that happens, Apple will no longer provide any service or repairs for the model, even if spare parts are available. Notably, its larger sibling, the iPhone XS Max, had already been added to the vintage list in November 2024. Both phones, though evolutionary rather than revolutionary, were popular upgrades to the iPhone X, offering the A12 Bionic chip, better cameras, and dual SIM support, with the XS Max distinguished by its 6.5-inch display.

Apple has updated its list of vintage and obsolete products, officially ending hardware service for several older Mac models, including the last 11-inch MacBook Air. The company also moved the iPhone 8 Plus to its vintage list. pic.twitter.com/ypWF1Afv1v — Titan Gadgets (@titangadgetsug) August 31, 2025

Apple’s latest update didn’t stop with the iPhone XS. The company has also moved the fifth-generation iPad (iPad 5) to the obsolete list, ending all official hardware servicing for the 2017 tablet. This means owners will now have to rely entirely on third-party repair shops for any fixes.

Additionally, Apple updated the support notes for the 2018 Mac mini, which had already been deemed vintage earlier this year. The company added a caveat advising users to confirm service eligibility with authorised providers, surprising many who expected the desktop to enjoy longer support. These moves highlight Apple’s strict product lifecycle policies, reminding users that while older devices may still be functional, their repair windows are narrowing quickly.

Apple regularly sorts out older devices. Anyone interested in the lifespan of Apple products or still using an older MacBook should keep an eye on such lists. Classifying a device as “obsolete” means restrictions on official support—especially for repairs by Apple itself or authorized service providers. This time, it affects three Mac models that played a major role in Apple’s portfolio when they were first introduced.

Apple has added three Macs to its list of obsolete products. Among them is the last model of the compact 11-inch MacBook Air, which for many years was positioned as a particularly portable notebook in the lower price range. Also affected are two MacBook Pro models from 2017, which were equipped with four Thunderbolt 3 ports and a 15-inch display, respectively.

Three Mac models officially classified as obsolete

Apple considers devices that were officially discontinued more than seven years ago to be obsolete. After that date, Apple generally no longer offers repairs – with one exception: Battery replacement can be performed under certain conditions up to ten years after the end of sales, provided the appropriate spare parts are available. The models now classified as obsolete are:

MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, with 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports)

MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)

The 11-inch MacBook Air was officially discontinued in October 2016. At that time, Apple introduced the new MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar. The fact that the smaller Air model is only now appearing on the obsolete product list suggests that it was still available through third-party retailers after its official discontinuation—presumably until 2018. The seven-year gap to the present day fits the definition of “obsolete” status.

No more small MacBooks in the current line-up

With the discontinuation of the 11-inch model, the compact format is finally history. Apple currently sells the MacBook Air with 13.6 and 15.3-inch screen sizes. Anyone looking for a device with a smaller display won’t find it in the current range. However, rumors have been circulating for some time about a new 12.9-inch MacBook. This is said to be equipped with the A18 Pro chip, which is expected to be used in the iPhone 16 Pro. Whether and when this model will be released has not yet been officially confirmed.

The iPhone 8 Plus also moves into the vintage category

In addition to the three Macs, today’s update also affects the iPhone 8 Plus – at least the versions with 64 GB and 256 GB storage. These devices are now classified as “vintage.” Apple defines a device as vintage if it hasn’t been sold for more than five years. Unlike obsolete products, these models can still be repaired – but only for a limited period. Two years later, they are also classified as obsolete, depending on the availability of spare parts. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus were introduced in September 2017 alongside the iPhone X. The sales halt was therefore a long time ago, which makes the current classification understandable.

Apple focuses on new generations

With this new classification, Apple is making a clear distinction. The 11-inch MacBook Air is now permanently removed from the support cycle, as are two MacBook Pros from 2017. At the same time, Apple is signaling that the product line’s focus is shifting further toward larger displays and more powerful chips. Users still hoping for compact models will have to be content with rumors for now. The iPhone 8 Plus’ vintage classification also demonstrates how Apple is gradually removing older iPhones from support – with clear timelines. If you’re interested in repairs or replacement parts, it’s worth checking official Apple Support or authorized partners before these models are completely removed from the service offering. (Image: Shutterstock / Semyon Prudiy)

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Apple’s iPhone 17 event is officially just around the corner. As new hardware arrives, we can expect Apple to discontinue seven products that it currently sells.

iPhone 17 is the event headliner. With the arrival of four new iPhones, we can expect Apple to stop selling three iPhones that are currently in its store.

Earlier this year, Apple replaced the antiquated iPhone SE with the more modern iPhone 16e. We currently expect Apple’s entry-priced iPhone to see annual updates, so it’s not going anywhere yet.

However, Apple will likely discontinue the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus once the iPhone 17 event concludes. Other retailers may still carry these two iPhones, but don’t expect Apple to keep them around in its stores. Assuming this change occurs, each iPhone sold by Apple will support Apple Intelligence for the first time.

Moving up the iPhone line, we can expect to see both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus remain in the lineup. Apple typically keeps its two standard flagship models around with a $100 price drop. iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will occupy their places in the new lineup.

Then there are the Pro models. Both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will no longer be sold by Apple. iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will take their spots instead. Rather than giving its year-old Pro models a price drop, Apple just stops selling them altogether.

To recap, we should anticipate four iPhones being discontinued on September 9: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The new iPhone lineup will probably look like this:

iPhone 16e from $599

iPhone 16 from $699

iPhone 16 Plus from $799

iPhone 17 from $799

iPhone 17 Air from $949

iPhone 17 Pro from $1,049

iPhone 17 Pro Max from $1,199

This takes into account iPhone 17 Pro’s rumored $50 price increase for double the storage and iPhone 17 Air’s $50 premium over the original iPhone 16 Plus price. One analyst predicted $1,249 as the iPhone 17 Pro Max price, so that’s on the table as well. Any other changes would be a surprise.

For the remaining three products on their way out next month, we have Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and possibly AirPods Pro 2.

Apple always replaces its Series model watches, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 replaced the original Ultra watch two years ago. AirPods Pro 2 replaced AirPods Pro, but AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 were sold together until two versions of AirPods 4 arrived. One curve ball could be AirPods Pro 2 hanging around at the same or a lower price if AirPods Pro 3 cost more.

Apple Watch SE (second-gen) is now as old as the first SE was when Apple replaced it, but there’s not much chatter about that for now.

For now, we can reasonably predict that Apple will discontinue four iPhones, two Apple Watch models, and one version of AirPods.

In case you missed it, Apple announced its iPhone 17 event today with the tagline “Awe dropping.” As rumored, the event will take place on September 9. 9to5Mac will be at Apple Park reporting on everything announced around the event.

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Apple Declares 11-inch MacBook Air Obsolete: End of an Era for Compact Laptops

Apple has officially declared several older Mac models obsolete. The list includes the final version of the iconic 11-inch MacBook Air. This change was confirmed on Apple’s official website this week.

The move marks the end of an era for Apple’s most compact laptop. According to Reuters, this is a standard procedure following Apple’s own internal policies. The products are now classified as vintage or obsolete.

Which Apple Products Are Now Obsolete?

Three specific Mac models have been added to the obsolete list. The most notable is the MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015). Also included are two MacBook Pro models from 2017.

A product becomes “obsolete” once seven years have passed since Apple stopped selling it. This means official repair services are almost always discontinued. However, some limited battery service may remain available for a short time.

The 11-inch MacBook Air was discontinued in late 2016. It was removed from sale shortly after new MacBook Pro models were announced. Its addition to the obsolete list now suggests some units were still available through resellers until 2018.

What Obsolete Status Means for MacBook Owners

This classification has immediate practical effects for owners. Apple Stores and authorized service providers will no longer repair these machines. Obtaining genuine replacement parts will become increasingly difficult.

There is a small exception for certain battery replacements. Apple may offer this service for up to ten years after a product’s discontinuation. This is entirely dependent on parts availability, which is not guaranteed.

This policy shift pushes users toward newer Apple hardware. The current MacBook Air lineup features 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch displays. The company is rumored to be developing a new 12.9-inch model powered by a smartphone chip.

Apple also updated its vintage products list this week. Select iPhone 8 Plus models were added to this category. Vintage products are eligible for repairs for two more years before becoming obsolete.

The shift to obsolete status for the 11-inch MacBook Air closes a beloved chapter in Apple’s design history. This compact laptop was a favorite for its extreme portability. Its official retirement highlights the relentless pace of technology evolution.

Info at your fingertips

What does ‘obsolete’ mean for an Apple product? It means Apple stopped distributing the product for sale over seven years ago. The company and its authorized providers typically cease all hardware service and repairs for these items. Parts become very difficult to source.

Can I still get my obsolete MacBook Air repaired? Officially, no. Apple Stores and authorized service centers will not repair it. You must rely on third-party repair shops. They may have limited access to used or compatible parts.

Why did Apple stop making the 11-inch MacBook Air? Apple discontinued it to focus on larger-screen models that aligned with market demand. The trend shifted toward thinner bezels, allowing larger displays in similarly sized bodies. Sales of the smaller model had likely declined.

Is my iPhone 8 Plus now obsolete? Not yet. Specific storage variants of the iPhone 8 Plus were added to the ‘vintage’ list. Vintage products can still be repaired for two more years, subject to parts availability. Full obsolescence comes later.

What is the smallest MacBook available now? The current smallest MacBook is the 13.6-inch MacBook Air. Apple is rumored to be developing a new 12.9-inch model. This would be the most compact MacBook offered in nearly a decade.

Trusted Sources

Apple Official Website, Reuters

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With the iPhone 17 launch set for September 9, Apple has been tweaking its list of older products adding devices from as early as 2015 to its obsolete and vintage designations. Three new MacBooks have now become obsolete, while an older iPhone has moved to its vintage list.

Apple’s list is how it tracks whether a device remains eligible for repairs. MacRumors spotted the four devices being added to the list full of products dating as far back as 1976.

The three new additions to the obsolete list are the early 2015 MacBook Air in its 11-inch size, as well as the MacBook Pro from 2017 in both its 13-inch and 15-inch variant. The MacBook Pro with a 13-inch screen is only the version with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, while the model with two ports remains in Apple’s vintage list.

Apple says its own stores and its Authorized Service Providers will no longer fix products in the obsolete list, but some MacBooks are eligible for battery replacements if they’ve been on sale at some stage in the last 10 years. You need to check specific products with Apple to ensure battery replacements are available.

A product becomes obsolete through Apple’s system when it has been off sale for seven years. After five years off sale, Apple moves products to its vintage list for two years before they become obsolete.

Two models of the iPhone 8 Plus entered vintage status this weekend with the iPhone 8 Plus in its 64GB and 256GB storage sizes entering the list. That means repairs are set to become harder, but they are still possible through the brand’s service providers and own stores. There’s no word on when the 128GB model will join its siblings.

All other iPhone 8 models, and the simultaneously announced iPhone X, are already on the vintage list. If you’re still using an iPhone 8 Plus, this is a good reminder that your device will eventually become harder to repair. You also haven’t had any software updates for a couple of years now with its last iOS changes coming in iOS 16 back in 2022.