Apple Officially Declares Multiple iPhone Models Obsolete and Vintage
Apple has released a comprehensive updated list categorizing numerous older iPhone models as either "vintage" or "obsolete," signaling the definitive end of official hardware service support for these devices across global markets. This significant announcement, published on Apple's official website, outlines the company's strict policy regarding product lifecycle management and after-sales service termination.
Understanding Apple's Vintage and Obsolete Classifications
According to Apple's clarified definitions, a smartphone model is classified as obsolete when the company ceased its distribution for retail sale more than seven years prior. Once a product receives this designation, Apple completely discontinues all hardware servicing, and authorized service providers are formally prohibited from ordering any replacement parts for repairs.
Conversely, products are categorized as vintage when they were discontinued from sale between five and seven years ago. For vintage devices, there remains a possibility of receiving limited service support, but this is entirely contingent upon the availability of spare parts in Apple's inventory. It is crucial to note that these classifications apply universally, regardless of the specific purchase date of an individual device.
Comprehensive List of Affected iPhone Models
The newly updated vintage list includes several once-popular models that are now transitioning out of full support. These models are now designated as vintage worldwide:
- iPhone 4 (8GB variant)
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 6s (including 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB storage options)
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 7 (PRODUCT)RED™ edition
- iPhone 8 (64GB, 128GB, 256GB) and iPhone 8 (PRODUCT)RED™
- iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, 128GB, 256GB) and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED™
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max
Apple has specified an important regional exception: in France, distinct statutory warranty regulations mandate that owners of certain iPhones, Mac laptops, and iPad models purchased after specific dates may still obtain service and replacement parts for up to seven years from the date the product model was last supplied for distribution within the French market.
iPhone Models Now Considered Fully Obsolete
The obsolete category, which receives no service support, now encompasses an extensive range of early-generation iPhones. The following models are now officially considered obsolete on a global scale:
- Original iPhone
- iPhone 3G (8GB, 16GB, and China mainland 8GB variant)
- iPhone 3GS (8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and China mainland 16GB/32GB)
- iPhone 4 CDMA and iPhone 4 CDMA (8GB)
- iPhone 4 (16GB, 32GB) and iPhone 4 GSM (8GB) Black
- iPhone 4S and iPhone 4S (8GB)
- iPhone 5C
- iPhone 5S
- iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s (32GB) and iPhone 6s Plus (32GB)
- iPhone SE (first generation)
With these formal classifications now in effect, users possessing any of the affected devices will find it impossible to access official repair services or source genuine replacement components through Apple or its network of authorized service providers. This development aligns with Apple's established, long-term policy of systematically phasing out support for aging hardware as newer technologies emerge and software requirements continue to evolve at a rapid pace.
Implications for Resale Value and Consumer Considerations
This announcement arrives alongside market analysis indicating that several older iPhone models are poised to experience a substantial depreciation in resale value throughout 2026. As smartphone technology advances relentlessly, consumer demand is increasingly shifting toward devices that offer newer features, extended software support cycles, and superior battery performance. Analysts observe that models which no longer receive major operating system updates, critical security patches, or hardware enhancements are rapidly losing their appeal in the competitive second-hand marketplace. Buyers are now prioritizing future-proof devices that guarantee longer-term usability and support.
