Apple has recently updated its list of vintage and obsolete products, which now includes older devices like the 13-inch MacBook Air from 2017, iPad Mini 4, and the 32GB version of Apple TV HD. This update signifies that some of these devices will have limited-service support at authorized stores, while others will no longer be eligible for official servicing.
The MacBook Air from 2017 has been categorized as a “vintage” product, allowing it to undergo repairs at Apple Stores and authorized service providers if replacement parts are available. This particular model holds significance as it was the final MacBook Air version introduced before Apple launched a redesigned model with a Retina display in 2018.
Additionally, Apple has moved the iPad Mini 4 and the 32GB variant of Apple TV HD to the “obsolete” category. Devices falling under this classification are no longer eligible for repairs or servicing through official Apple channels. The iPad Mini 4 was initially released in 2015 and discontinued in 2019, while the Apple TV HD was launched the same year and ceased production in October 2022 following the release of the third-generation Apple TV 4K.
It is worth noting that only the 32GB version of Apple TV HD has been marked as obsolete at this point. Apple defines a product as “vintage” once it surpasses five years since its discontinuation, and if this period extends beyond seven years, the device is then labeled as “obsolete.”
Apple periodically adds its older devices to the vintage or obsolete category. Recently, the company placed the iPhone 4, which is fourteen years old, on the obsolete list. Introduced in 2011 and discontinued in 2013, the iPhone 4 joined the obsolete list last month.
Similarly, Apple has now shifted the iPhone 5 to the obsolete category. Originally launched in 2012 and discontinued a year later, the iPhone 5 was added to the vintage list in 2018, and as of last month, all service support for the device has officially ceased.
The 13-inch MacBook Air from 2017 is recognized for its lightweight design, weighing approximately 1.35kg, and is capable of providing up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge. It features a 13.3-inch display, is powered by a 5th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, coupled with 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM, and offers up to 512GB of SSD storage.
This laptop is equipped with Intel HD Graphics 6000, operates on macOS, and includes features such as a full-size backlit keyboard, a multi-touch trackpad, and stereo speakers for audio.