Time moves fast in the tech world, and Apple is no exception. The company has recently designated three iconic products as ‘vintage.’ Now, the iPhone X, first-generation AirPods, and the original HomePod join the ranks of Apple’s vintage devices. This means that while you might still get support from Apple for a bit longer, it will only get trickier to get repairs for these products.
iPhone X was the first iPhone with a notch and an edge-to-edge display, setting the stage for an era of Face ID and gestures. It seems crazy that a device which set the standard for today’s iPhone is now technically vintage, but there you have it. Similarly, the first ever AirPods kicked off an incredibly popular product category and tons of knock-offs. To a lesser extent, the first HomePod was groundbreaking too. All of these originals are now one step closer to being museum pieces.
What ‘vintage’ means for you
In Apple’s terms, vintage products are those that were discontinued more than five years ago and less than seven years ago. They’re still serviceable at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers, but only if they have the parts on hand. Once those parts are gone, repairs will be a challenge.
The ‘vintage’ label is a step before a product becomes ‘obsolete,’ which happens seven years after Apple stops selling it. At that point, Apple stops all hardware service entirely, leaving users to rely on third-party repair options.
If you’re still using any of these devices, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Apple’s latest iPhones, AirPods, and HomePods offer significant improvements in performance, features, and longevity. But if you’re attached to your older tech, now’s the time to stock up on any necessary parts or look into reliable third-party repair services.