Apple adds several iPhone and Watch models to its obsolete product list

Apple has recently added to its list of obsolete and vintage devices, including popular smartphones such as the iPhone XS Max, iPhone 6s Plus, and some variants of the Apple Watch Series 2.

For those who don't know, the list of obsolete and vintage Apple devices includes products that the company has stopped selling for more than 5 years up to 7 years. A product will be officially considered obsolete by Apple after 7 years from the end of its sale.

In this case, the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus—originally released in 2018 and 2015, respectively—are now designated as vintage. These are also products that Apple stopped selling more than five years ago. Even though the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus were released three years apart, the iPhone 6s Plus has been on sale for significantly longer than the XS Max, which is why they were added to the vintage list at the same time.

Similarly, an Apple product that has been discontinued for more than seven years can be considered 'obsolete.' The Apple Watch Series 2, which comes in different variants—38mm, 42mm, aluminum, stainless steel—is currently classified as obsolete by Apple. Originally released in 2016, the product line has a long lifespan, as have the MacBook models that Apple added to the obsolete list last month.

Apple adds several iPhone and Watch models to its obsolete product list Picture 1 Apple adds several iPhone and Watch models to its obsolete product list Picture 1

It's important to note that there's an important difference between Apple's criteria for vintage and obsolete products. First, obsolete devices can't be repaired by Apple because Apple no longer supplies the corresponding parts (this doesn't apply to MacBook batteries). However, owners of vintage devices can continue to have their devices serviced and repaired at Apple Stores and authorized service providers for up to two years, provided that Apple and its partners have parts available.

However, there's no guarantee that Apple will have a replacement screen for the classic iPhone 6S Plus. Outdated products, including the Apple Watch Series 2, are no longer eligible for Apple hardware service, and service providers can't order parts for them. This marks the end of official repair options for these devices, although you can still repair them yourself or with the help of an unauthorized service technician.

There is an exception for certain outdated MacBook models, which may be eligible for extended battery-only repairs up to 10 years after the product's final sale date, depending on parts availability. Unfortunately, this exception does not apply to iPhones or Apple Watches, which were added to Apple's vintage and obsolete list today.