Apple Expands Vintage and Obsolete Designations to Include iPhone SE and More
Apple has updated its official list of old and obsolete devices, extending the vintage and obsolete classifications to include the original iPhone SE and several other products. The update comes from Apple’s dedicated support portal, which outlines how certain devices move through status changes over time and what those changes mean for owners and service options.
In Apple’s terminology, a vintage device is one whose production stopped more than five years ago, while an obsolete device is no longer eligible for repair or service through Apple or its authorized service providers because parts are no longer available. The original iPhone SE, which combined the hardware of the iPhone 6s with the smaller footprint of the iPhone 5, was officially sold until September 2018. Launched in the spring of 2016, it offered a compelling blend of performance and compact size that appealed to users seeking a more affordable entry into the iPhone ecosystem without sacrificing core features. As noted by Apple Support, this model has now been categorized as vintage, reflecting its age and the phaseout of parts and official support channels.
Beyond the iPhone SE, Apple has also classified other notable devices as vintage. These include the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which marked a significant milestone in tablet design with enhanced display technology and processing power. Additionally, the special edition Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones, created to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 90th anniversary, have joined the vintage lineup. The decision to designate these products as vintage mirrors Apple’s broader policy on device lifecycle, which aims to set clear expectations for customers about long-term serviceability and support.
Apple noted that certain products, such as the Powerbeats 2 and Solo2 Wireless headphones, were discontinued but maintained a status that does not extend beyond a seven-year window for ongoing parts and service. When a device reaches vintage or obsolete status, availability of spare parts at authorized Apple service centers becomes limited or unavailable. This policy helps customers gauge the likelihood of repair options versus replacement, a practical consideration for devices that no longer receive routine firmware updates or official parts support. Consumers who own vintage or obsolete devices may still find community resources, third-party repair providers, and refurbished components helpful, but formal Apple-provided repair paths may be restricted or discontinued over time.
The broader context for these classifications includes how manufacturers manage product lifecycles, support commitments, and sustainability goals. By documenting the transition points for devices, Apple provides a transparent framework for customers to plan upgrades, assess resale value, and understand potential resale or recycling options. This information is especially relevant for tech enthusiasts, collectors, and everyday users who rely on clarity about long-term usability and availability of official parts. The company continues to encourage customers to consider current model lines for ongoing support and access to the latest software and security updates, while also recognizing the value and nostalgia attached to older devices for certain users. For those curious about future changes, Apple’s support resources remain the primary source for authoritative guidance on vintage and obsolete statuses and the practical implications for repair and service.
In related industry movements, technology firms routinely reassess the feasibility of repairing aging hardware as part of broader sustainability initiatives and customer care strategies. For owners of vintage or obsolete devices, a mindful approach to maintenance, data backups, and careful disposal or recycling can help extend the life of devices where possible and ensure responsible end-of-life handling. Apple’s evolving device-status framework serves as a reference point for understanding what happens when hardware leaves active production lines and how that affects access to authentic parts, service, and official support. By keeping pace with these updates, users can make informed decisions about whether to repair, replace, or repurpose older tech items in a rapidly changing market landscape.