Apple products are constantly evolving, so it makes sense that the firm would apply an “out with the old” strategy to make room for the new. With the M4 Mac debut only a few weeks away, Apple has shelved nine older models, discontinuing repairs on those computers.
Nine Mac Models Join the “Obsolete” List
As of today, Apple’s support site includes nine additional Mac models from the 2015-2016 range in its list of “products obsolete worldwide.” In its own words, Apple considers a product obsolete when it “stopped distributing them for sale more than 7 years ago.”
Essentially, this means that you can no longer take these models to the Genius Bar for maintenance or repair. While you could try Apple’s Self Service Repair program or a third-party repair location, neither you nor the shop would be able to order any necessary parts from Apple.
Here are the models added to the obsolete list today:
|
Model |
Specs |
|---|---|
|
MacBook Air |
13-inch, Early 2015 |
|
MacBook Pro |
13-inch, 2016, 2 TBT3 |
|
MacBook Pro |
13-inch, 2016, 4 TBT3 |
|
MacBook Pro |
15-inch, 2016 |
|
MacBook Pro |
Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015 |
|
MacBook |
Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016 |
|
iMac |
21.5-inch, Late 2015 |
|
iMac |
Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015 |
|
iMac |
Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015 |
In addition to these obsolete computers, Apple has also added three models to what the company considers “vintage.”
Vintage vs. Obsolete Apple Products
If an Apple product’s lifespan goes from new to obsolete, “vintage” is the name of the condition that falls in the middle. When Apple has not sold a product for over five years but less than seven years, that product is considered vintage.
If you have a vintage Apple product, you can still take it to the Genius Bar or third-party repair location for service. However, Apple acknowledges that those repairs are “subject to parts availability.” In other words, there are no guarantees, and a repair of a vintage Mac might take longer than a newer model.
Here are the three new additions to Apple’s vintage list:
|
Model |
Specs |
|---|---|
|
MacBook Air |
Retina, 13-inch, 2018 |
|
MacBook Pro |
13-inch, 2017, TBT3 |
|
MacBook Pro |
13-inch, 2018, 4 TBT3 |
If you have an older Mac that’s now considered obsolete by Apple, there’s not much you can do at this point beyond letting it live out its final days in style. On the other hand, if you have one of the models just added to the vintage list, I’d recommend taking it in a check-up before supplies run out. As hard as it is to say goodbye, I’m looking forward to the M4-equipped Mac when it comes out in a few weeks. If it’s anything like the M4 iPad Pro, we’ll be in luck.
