Apple does not stop moving forward and, although these two devices marked important milestones with their launch and progression, innovation does not stop and the Californian company has to make way for new equipment.
What does obsolete mean for Apple?
A device is classified as “vintage” by Apple when they have passed more than five years since it stopped being distributed for sale. Although devices in this category can still receive repairs through Apple or authorized service providers, these will depend on parts availability, which may be limited or non-existent in some cases.
On the other hand, a device is considered “obsolete” once more than seven years since it was withdrawn from the market. From this moment on, it is no longer possible to repair it on official Apple services, with the exception of certain MacBook battery replacements, which are available up to a decade after their release.
Apple abandons iPhone XS Max
The iPhone XS Max, released in 2018 as part of the 10th generation of iPhone, was one of the first Apple devices to adopt a full screen design with notch and OLED technology. Its inclusion in the list of vintage products is not surprising, since it officially stopped being sold in 2019 after the arrival of the iPhone 11.
It should be noted that its younger brother, the iPhone XS, has not yet been added to the list, which could mean that its upgrade to the “vintage” category could be delayed until 2025.
On the other hand, the iPhone 6s Plus also becomes “vintage” globally, although some specific models, such as the 32 GB variant, were already classified as “obsolete” before this announcement.
Apple Watch Series 2: definitive obsolescence
In the case of the Apple Watch, the aluminum and stainless steel Series 2 models have been classified as obsolete globally. This smartwatch, presented in 2016, was the company’s first to include water resistance up to 50 meters and an integrated GPS chip, key features that marked the evolution of Apple wearables.
Curiously, the most premium model of this generation, with a ceramic casing, has not yet been included in the obsolete list, something that could be due to its special edition nature and lower sales volume, which prolongs the availability of parts. for repair.
The life cycle of Apple devices follows a clear pattern: as technology advances and users adopt newer models, older devices are relegated to the background. For many users, classifying a device as vintage or obsolete can define the ideal time to consider an upgrade.
It is therefore important to keep devices up to date and in good condition for a long time, especially in the face of the growing trend of technological sustainability.
