Apple Vintage and Obsolete Product List Update
December 31, 2025
Today, Apple announced the addition of several products to its vintage and obsolete lists, including the final 13-inch MacBook Air powered by Intel processors, the Apple Watch Series 5, and more. This update reflects Apple's ongoing transition away from older hardware.
Products Added to Vintage List:
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)
- iPhone 8 Plus (128GB; other configurations already vintage)
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPad Air 3 (Wi-Fi + Cellular; Wi-Fi-only models not yet vintage)
- Apple Watch Series 5 (various models and sizes)
- Aluminum (40mm & 44mm)
- Ceramic (40mm & 44mm)
- Hermes Edition (40mm & 44mm)
- Nike Edition (40mm & 44mm)
- Stainless Steel (40mm & 44mm)
- Titanium (40mm & 44mm)
Historical Context and Details
The last Intel-based MacBook Air, introduced in March 2020, featured options like 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. The device was available for only eight months before being discontinued in favor of the M1 MacBook Air, which launched in November 2020.
According to Apple, a device becomes vintage after more than five years from its discontinuation. Repairs for vintage products are still possible through Apple Authorized Service Providers, provided parts are available.
Obsolete Products
In addition to the vintage list, Apple's obsolete list includes the special-edition Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones from 2018, designed to celebrate Mickey Mouse's 90th anniversary, which has now been moved to the obsolete category. Devices become obsolete after more than seven years post-discontinuation, generally losing hardware support, though battery-only repairs may extend up to 10 years.
Extended Service and Repair Policies
While Apple maintains support for vintage devices where possible, obsolete devices typically no longer receive hardware service. However, battery repairs for Mac laptops can sometimes be offered for up to a decade from the device’s discontinuation date, depending on parts availability.
Related News and Rumors
- Apple TV Update: No new Apple TV 4K models have been released since 2022; expectations for a 2025 refresh are now unlikely.
- AI Strategy: Industry analysts suggest Apple’s restrained approach to AI development may prove beneficial in 2026, with a revamped Siri and less investment in data-hungry AI compared to peers.
- Upcoming Products: Apple teased big plans for 2026 with its Fitness+ service, and rumors continue to mount about the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, which might feature under-screen Face ID, larger displays, and a new camera housing.
- Foldable iPhone: Designs for a foldable iPhone are circulating as Apple reportedly targets a September 2026 release.
- User Reports: Some users of iPhone 17 Pro models have reported static noise during charging, and Apple is rolling out iOS 26.2, introducing numerous new features like a Liquid Glass Slider on the Lock Screen.
- Prototype Leaks: Images of brightly colored first-generation AirPods prototypes suggest Apple has experimented with vibrant casing options.
Stay tuned for more updates on Apple’s product lifecycle, upcoming devices, and technological innovations.