iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus declared 'vintage' products by Apple: Here's what it means

Apple has just refreshed its vintage and obsolete products list, and this time around, the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus have officially been designated ‘vintage.’ These devices, originally launched in 2018 and 2015 respectively, have reached a key milestone in Apple’s product lifecycle, meaning they’re no longer the cutting-edge tech they once were.

What Apple’s ‘Vintage’ really means

For Apple, a product earns the ‘vintage’ label when it’s been over five years since it was last sold as new. Once a gadget crosses into this territory, getting repairs or replacement parts from Apple or its authorised service centres becomes a bit of a gamble. Whether service is available depends on whether parts are still in stock and what the specific issue is. Until that five-year mark is hit, Apple provides full support, but once a device is vintage, users might find it more difficult to keep their tech running smoothly.

Interestingly, the iPhone 6s Plus with 32GB storage has already moved to the next stage: ‘obsolete.’ While vintage status still offers some hope of repairs, obsolete products are a different story, with more restrictions coming into play.

Vintage vs obsolete?

Once a device reaches the ‘obsolete’ category, which happens when it’s been seven years since it was last sold as new, Apple officially pulls the plug on support. Repairs and new parts become completely unavailable from Apple and its partners. Users are then left with third-party repair options or, more realistically, the need to consider an upgrade. The only exception is for certain MacBook models, which can still get battery replacements for up to a decade under specific conditions.

The latest update also affects the Apple Watch Series 2. The aluminum and stainless steel versions of this watch are now obsolete. Meanwhile, the ceramic model is still holding on to its vintage status, so if you’re clinging to your Series 2 smartwatch, it’s wise to sort out any repairs while you still can.

More from Tech

How ChatGPT is becoming everyone’s BFF and why that’s dangerous America ready for self-driving cars, but it has a legal problem

A long overdue upgrade

For users of these ageing devices, this status change serves as a nudge to think about the future. Repairs might still be an option for vintage gadgets, but it’s increasingly tricky. And for obsolete devices, the road ends at Apple’s door, meaning a trip to an independent repair shop or considering a shiny, new device may be your best bet.

With tech moving forward at lightning speed, holding on to older gadgets can be more hassle than it’s worth. So, if you’re still rocking an iPhone 6s Plus or a Series 2 Apple Watch, you might want to start browsing for a new companion – because once your device hits that seven-year mark, your options become seriously limited.