In a significant move for millions of users, Apple has officially updated its internal classifications, marking several popular devices as 'vintage' or 'obsolete'. This update signals the beginning of the end for official hardware support on gadgets like the iPhone 11 Pro and the Apple Watch Series 5, even as they remain in widespread daily use across India and the globe.
Understanding Apple's Vintage and Obsolete Labels
Apple follows a clear, time-based policy for phasing out support for its older hardware. A product enters the 'vintage' category once it has been more than five years since Apple stopped selling it. At this stage, repairs are still technically available, but they become entirely dependent on the spare parts inventory at Apple Stores and authorised service centres.
The final stage is 'obsolete' status, which hits after the seven-year mark post-discontinuation. Once obsolete, Apple and its partners cease all hardware services. They will no longer provide repairs or replacement components under any circumstances, leaving users with third-party repair shops as the only option.
Notable Additions to the Vintage List
The most prominent name in the latest update is the iPhone 11 Pro. This is particularly noteworthy because the device continues to receive the latest iOS software updates, including the upcoming iOS 26, and is still a powerful smartphone for everyday tasks. Its new vintage status is a warning that while the software may be current, the window for guaranteed official repairs is closing fast.
It is not alone. Apple has reportedly added a batch of other once-popular devices to the vintage list alongside the iPhone 11 Pro. This batch includes:
- Apple Watch Series 5
- 13-inch MacBook Air (2020, with Intel processor)
- iPad Air 3 (Cellular model)
- iPhone 8 Plus (specifically the 128GB storage variant)
These devices now join a growing roster of ageing Apple hardware that is being systematically phased out of the company's long-term support ecosystem.
What This Means for Indian Apple Users
For owners of these newly classified vintage devices, the message is clear: the clock is ticking for official repairs. If your iPhone 11 Pro or Apple Watch Series 5 has a lingering hardware issue, now is the time to get it serviced at an Apple Authorised Service Provider. While software support may continue for some time, finding genuine parts for hardware fixes will become increasingly difficult over the next 12-24 months.
Apple has also updated its obsolete list, which now includes much older generations like the iPhone 5, the entire iPhone 6 series, early iPad mini models, and first-generation iPads. Owners of these devices have already passed the point of no return for official support.
This update reflects Apple's standard product lifecycle strategy, balancing a commitment to several years of support with the technological and logistical need to move forward. For the vast user base in India still relying on models like the iPhone 11 Pro, this announcement is a clear nudge to start planning for an eventual upgrade, as full hardware support will soon be a thing of the past.
