Apple adds iPhone 6, iPad Mini to its vintage and obsolete product list: Know what it means 

Apple has just made some changes to its list of old products. Now, they're calling the iPhone 6 and the iPad Mini "vintage." This means they're getting old, but they're not totally outdated yet.For the iPhone 6, it's now considered "obsolete" everywhere. That means if something goes wrong with it, you can't get it fixed at Apple Stores or authorized service centers anymore. This happens when seven years have passed since Apple last sold the device. Its bigger sibling, the iPhone 6 Plus, stopped being sold in 2016.As for the iPad Mini, the fourth-generation one, it's now labeled as "vintage." This happens when more than five years have gone by since it was last sold. Vintage products can still get repairs, but it might become harder to find the right parts over time.

What happens if you own an obsolete iPhone?

If you have an obsolete Apple iPhone, it means that Apple no longer provides support or repairs for that particular model. This includes both hardware and software services. Essentially, if your obsolete iPhone encounters any issues or breaks down, you won't be able to take it to an Apple Store or authorized service provider to get it fixed.

When Apple designates a product as obsolete, it typically means that a significant amount of time has passed since the company last sold that device. In the case of iPhones, it's usually around seven years after the device was last distributed for sale. For example, the iPhone 6 Plus is considered obsolete as of 2024 because it was discontinued in September 2016.

So, if you're still using an obsolete iPhone and it experiences any problems, you'll need to explore alternative options for repair or replacement. This might include seeking out third-party repair services, purchasing replacement parts and attempting a DIY repair, or considering upgrading to a newer iPhone model.

It's important to keep in mind that while obsolete iPhones may still function, they are no longer supported by Apple. This means they may not receive software updates or security patches, leaving them vulnerable to potential security risks and compatibility issues with newer apps and services. Therefore, it's generally recommended to upgrade to a newer iPhone model to ensure you have access to the latest features, performance improvements, and security updates.

What happens if you have an Apple device which is added to Vintage category?

When you have a vintage iPad, it means that the specific model you own is considered old by Apple's standards, but it's not entirely obsolete yet. Vintage iPads are those for which more than five years have passed since Apple last sold them.

If you have a vintage iPad and it experiences any issues or needs repairs, you still have some options available. Apple Stores and authorized service providers will typically continue to offer repairs for vintage products for up to two more years, depending on the availability of parts. However, as time goes on, finding the right parts for repairs may become more challenging.

While your vintage iPad may no longer be eligible for the latest software updates and may not be as powerful or feature-rich as newer models, it can still be functional for everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, or using certain apps. However, it's essential to be aware that over time, compatibility with newer apps and services may become limited, and the performance of your vintage iPad may not be as smooth as it once was.
If you find that your vintage iPad no longer meets your needs or if it experiences significant issues that affect its usability, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer iPad model. Doing so will ensure that you have access to the latest features, performance improvements, and software updates, as well as continued support and repairs from Apple.