Apple has added the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 to its list of vintage and obsolete products

 

Apple has expanded its list of old and outdated devices to include two more iPhone models: the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone 8. These cellphones are now deemed obsolete, and their service and repair options will be restricted. The Cupertino-based tech behemoth often discontinues hardware servicing for technologically old items due to the difficulties of acquiring components and performing repairs, while it continues to maintain them via software upgrades.

The iPhone 7 Plus was released internationally alongside the iPhone 7 in 2016, starting at Rs. 72,000 for the 32GB model. It was phased out in 2019, with the release of the iPhone 11 series.

Meanwhile, Apple unveiled the iPhone 8 at its first event at Apple Park in 2017. It debuted with a starting price of Rs. 64,000 for the 64GB storage capacity, alongside the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. The Cupertino-based electronics giant discontinued the phone's availability in 2020, following the arrival of the iPhone SE.

While all iPhone 7 Plus configurations have been marked as outdated, only the 64GB and 256GB storage models of the iPhone 8 have been added to the list. It makes no mention of the 128GB model, which was available for purchase for a longer duration.

iPhone Models Deemed Vintage

1. iPhone 4 (8GB)
2. iPhone 5
3. iPhone 6s (16GB, 64GB, 128GB)
4. iPhone 6s Plus
5. iPhone SE
6. iPhone 7 Plus
7. iPhone 8 (64GB, 256GB)
8. iPhone 8 (PRODUCT)RED
9. iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED
10. iPhone X
11. iPhone XS Max

Which models does Apple classify as vintage or obsolete?
According to Apple, a product is considered antique if its distribution for sale ended more than five but less than seven years ago. They are still eligible for servicing and repairs, however it is dependent on the availability of components.

Meanwhile, if a product has not been distributed for sale in more than seven years, the corporation considers it outdated. Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) will no longer provide hardware services, including repairs, for such devices. Furthermore, service providers are unable to order components from Apple for items classified as outdated.

However, Mac laptops are still eligible for an extended repair term, especially for the battery, for up to ten years from the date the model was last offered for sale, but this is still subject to parts availability.

Apple says Monster-branded Beats products are deemed old, regardless of when they were acquired. Some of the most popular historical models include the first iPhone, iPhone 4, iPhone 6S, and iPhone X.