Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Two highly anticipated tech devices from recent memory, the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8, have been designated as ‘vintage’ by Apple, less than a decade after their initial release. This designation impacts the availability of repair services and highlights the lifecycle of Apple products, including popular iPhones.
Apple Classifies iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 as ‘Vintage’
The iPhone 7 Plus, launched in 2016, and the iPhone 8, released in 2017, have officially been added to the tech giant’s list of ‘vintage’ products. This categorization raises questions about the longevity and support for vintage iPhones.
Implications of ‘Vintage’ Status
Unlike sought-after vintage items, this status doesn’t guarantee a high resale value. More importantly, owners of the iPhone 7 Plus or iPhone 8 may face challenges in getting their devices repaired by Apple if issues arise. This is a crucial consideration for users of older iPhones.
From Vintage to Obsolete: The Apple Product Lifecycle
Further escalating the situation, two additional Apple products, the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 2, have transitioned from the ‘vintage’ list to the ‘obsolete’ list, signaling the near end of their support lifecycle. All Apple products progress through these categories: current, vintage, and eventually, obsolete.
- Current: Products actively sold and supported by Apple.
- Vintage: Products no longer sold for more than five years; repair services may be limited.
- Obsolete: Products no longer sold for more than seven years; all hardware service is discontinued.
Even the latest iPhone models will eventually meet the same fate, highlighting the finite lifespan of technology.
A Look Back at the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8
Many Apple enthusiasts remember the enthusiastic reception of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 7 Plus upon their release.
Upon its release in 2016, the iPhone 7 Plus (pictured), starting from $749 (£719), boasted a 12-megapixel telephoto lens and 5.5-inch screen. iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus also marked the elimination of the headphone jack
When it was released in 2017, the iPhone 8 was lauded for its all-glass back and wireless charging capabilities. The iPhone 7 Plus, released a year earlier, featured a 12-megapixel telephoto lens, a 5.5-inch screen, and notably, the removal of the headphone jack.
Details of the ‘Vintage’ Listing
As noted by MacRumors, all iPhone 7 Plus models, along with the 64GB and 256GB iPhone 8 models, are now on Apple’s vintage list. The iPhone 8 128GB model is not yet included, while the (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 8 was previously classified as vintage. A ‘vintage’ product implies that Apple ceased selling it over five years ago. Consequently, Apple services may be limited or unavailable.
Apple retail locations and authorized resellers may still offer repairs for vintage devices, subject to the availability of necessary parts. Apple products remain in the ‘vintage’ category for two years before being designated as ‘obsolete’.
‘Obsolete’ Apple Products: End of the Line
iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 2 have now transitioned to the ‘obsolete’ list.
The $499/£399 iPad Air 2, released October 2014, was known for its remarkable slender profile at just 6.1mm
The $499/£399 iPad Air 2 (pictured), released October 2014, was remarkably thin at just 6.1mm and also lighter than its predecessor, the original iPad Air
Apple defines a product as ‘obsolete’ when sales stopped more than seven years prior. This means Apple is no longer obligated to provide repairs, rendering the device essentially a relic.
The Growing Concern of E-Waste
While Apple continually introduces new devices, many older models are quietly retired, contributing to the growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste).
According to Adam Engst, a tech writer at Mac Business Solutions, vintage and obsolete products ‘are living on borrowed time.’ He emphasized that Apple’s service and parts guarantees have time limits, which is a reasonable approach.
Environmental Impact
However, environmental advocates argue that a lifespan of less than a decade is insufficient for expensive tech devices. Apple and other tech firms have faced criticism for contributing to an ‘e-waste crisis’, as electronic waste amasses in landfills.