With the iPhone 17 set to debut on September 9, Apple is once again updating its product lifecycle lists. Three MacBooks have now been classified as obsolete, while the iPhone 8 Plus has entered vintage status, marking the gradual phase-out of repair eligibility for these older devices. The update highlights Apple’s ongoing process of cycling out support for hardware as it ages.
Newly Obsolete MacBooks
Apple has added three MacBooks to its obsolete list: the 11-inch MacBook Air (early 2015) and the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models from 2017. Notably, only the 13-inch MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt 3 ports is obsolete; the two-port version remains on the vintage list. Devices marked as obsolete are no longer eligible for hardware repairs at Apple Stores or through Authorized Service Providers, though some may still qualify for battery replacements if sold within the past 10 years.
iPhone 8 Plus Now Vintage
Alongside the MacBook updates, the iPhone 8 Plus in its 64GB and 256GB configurations has been moved to the vintage list. This means that while limited repairs are still available, they are not guaranteed and depend on parts availability. Interestingly, the 128GB version of the iPhone 8 Plus has not yet been added. Other iPhone 8 models and the iPhone X had already entered vintage status in recent years, signaling that the entire generation is nearing the end of Apple’s support window.
Apple’s Obsolete and Vintage System
Apple categorizes devices as vintage once they have been off sale for five years, before shifting them to the obsolete list after seven years. Products on the vintage list can still receive certain repairs, but once they become obsolete, official support ends entirely. For iPhone 8 Plus users, it is worth noting that the device stopped receiving software updates after iOS 16 in 2022, leaving it behind in terms of security and new features.
Apple’s latest updates to its product support lists serve as a reminder of the company’s structured phase-out system. Owners of affected MacBooks and the iPhone 8 Plus should begin planning for future device upgrades, as both software and hardware support will continue to diminish. With the iPhone 17 launch approaching, Apple is making clear distinctions between its newest products and those reaching the end of their lifecycle.
