iPhone 6 Plus becomes an outdated device

On April 1, Apple added a number of devices to the list of antique and obsolete products, including some older iPhone and iPad models such as iPhone 6 Plus and iPad mini 4.

Specifically, the iPhone 6 Plus is included in the list of "obsolete" products worldwide, meaning the product no longer receives any support from the manufacturer in any form, including hardware repair. and software updates. According to Apple's definition, a product is considered obsolete if it is no longer distributed for more than 7 years.

Previously, the iPhone 6 Plus was included in the list of vintage goods in February 2022. Meanwhile, iPhone 6 was listed on this list 8 months later. iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were introduced in September 2014, also the first time Apple launched an iPhone line with 2 different screen sizes. Both devices use A8 processor chip, 1 GB RAM, 8 MP rear camera.

iPhone 6 is equipped with a 4.7-inch screen, while iPhone 6 Plus uses a 5.5-inch screen, and the rear camera has optical image stabilization. This is the first iPhone line to support NFC for the Apple Pay payment service. With many valuable upgrades, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are one of the best-selling mobile phone lines of all time.

According to MacRumors, the reason the iPhone 6 appeared on the list later is because Apple still sells this model in a few places, after stopping production of the iPhone 6 Plus. Apple discontinued the iPhone 6 Plus in September 2016, but the iPhone 6 will still be available through resellers in some countries for several more years so it is not yet considered "obsolete."

Regarding software, in 2019, Apple stopped updating software for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus when iOS 13 required iPhone 6s or later. However, Apple still updates security patches for devices running iOS 12, not only the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus but also the iPhone 5s or the original iPad Air.

As for the iPad, Apple has classified the iPad mini 4 as 'vintage', meaning the device has been discontinued for more than 5 years. However, the company still provides parts and repairs for vintage devices for up to 2 more years, subject to parts availability.

Apple has also added the (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus to its "classic" product list. Other color devices have been on sale longer so they have not been included in this list.