In a significant update for tech consumers, Apple has officially moved several of its popular older devices into the 'vintage' category. This latest update to the company's product list includes the flagship iPhone 11 Pro, the final Intel-based MacBook Air model from 2020, and the entire Apple Watch Series 5 lineup.
What Does 'Vintage' Status Mean for Apple Users?
According to Apple's own policy, a product earns the vintage label when the company stopped its general distribution for sale more than five but less than seven years ago. For Indian customers owning these devices, this classification carries specific implications for repair and support.
Apple Stores and its authorized service providers across India may still offer hardware repairs for vintage products, but this service is strictly subject to the availability of parts. Once parts run out, repairs will no longer be possible through official channels. It's a crucial phase before a product becomes 'obsolete', which happens seven years after sales end. Obsolete products lose all hardware support, though software updates may occasionally continue.
Notable Additions to the Vintage Roster
The most prominent name on the new list is the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple's high-end smartphone launched in September 2019. Interestingly, this device remains capable of running the latest iOS software, demonstrating how hardware can outlive its official service lifecycle. Alongside it, the 128GB variant of the iPhone 8 Plus has also been marked vintage, joining its other storage capacities.
Another major shift is the inclusion of the MacBook Air model introduced in March 2020. This was the last MacBook Air to feature Intel processors before Apple's transition to its own silicon. This model came with a Retina display and was configured with either a 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i3, a 1.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, or a 1.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor. Apple discontinued it just months later in November 2020 with the debut of the revolutionary M1 MacBook Air.
Full List of Apple Watch Series 5 Models Now Vintage
The Apple Watch Series 5, in all its material and size variations, has now entered the vintage phase. The complete list includes:
- iPad Air 3, Wi-Fi + Cellular model
- Apple Watch Series 5, Aluminum, 40mm and 44mm
- Apple Watch Series 5, Ceramic, 40mm and 44mm
- Apple Watch Series 5 Hermes, 40mm and 44mm
- Apple Watch Series 5 Nike, 40mm and 44mm
- Apple Watch Series 5, Stainless Steel, 40mm and 44mm
- Apple Watch Series 5, Titanium, 40mm and 44mm
This move signals a normal progression in Apple's product lifecycle management. For millions of users in India and globally who still rely on these devices, it serves as a reminder to consider future repair options and potential upgrades. While the hardware support window is narrowing, these vintage products continue to be functional for daily tasks, showcasing their built-in longevity.
