TL;DR
Apple has added several older products to its vintage roster, including the iPhone 11 Pro and Apple Watch Series 5. Vintage devices remain eligible for service for now but move toward obsolete status after two more years.
What happened
Apple updated its catalog of legacy hardware to mark a group of older models as “vintage.” The change affects devices such as the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple Watch Series 5, the 2020 13-inch MacBook Air (Intel), the cellular iPad Air 3, and a remaining iPhone 8 Plus 128GB unit. Under Apple’s public criteria, a product is classed as vintage when more than five years have passed since it was last sold; a further milestone at seven years moves a product to “obsolete.” The vintage label means Apple can still offer repairs and service parts for now, but those options will end once a device reaches obsolete status. Notably, the iPhone 11 Pro still receives Apple’s current iOS releases and is the oldest iPhone able to run iOS 26. Apple users with affected devices can obtain repairs today, but manufacturers’ support will narrow over the next two years.
Why it matters
- Vintage classification signals shrinking official repair and parts support as a device approaches obsolete status.
- Owners of affected hardware should plan for reduced servicing options within roughly two years of the vintage designation.
- Some vintage devices, like the iPhone 11 Pro, may continue to receive software updates even while eligible for repairs.
- The move clarifies Apple’s multi-year timeline for end-of-service handling of older products.
Key facts
- Apple marked a set of older models as vintage, including iPhone 11 Pro and Apple Watch Series 5.
- Other devices added: 2020 13-inch MacBook Air (Intel), iPad Air 3 with Cellular, and an iPhone 8 Plus 128GB unit.
- Apple defines vintage as more than five years since the product stopped being sold.
- A product is classified as obsolete once seven years have passed since discontinuation.
- Vintage devices remain eligible for servicing; obsolete devices are no longer eligible.
- iPhone 11 Pro still receives Apple’s latest iOS updates and is the oldest iPhone able to run iOS 26.
- Being added to the vintage list gives roughly two years before becoming ineligible for Apple repairs.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple will continue providing iOS updates for vintage devices beyond iOS 26 — not confirmed in the source.
- How quickly parts inventory and repair availability decline for vintage models as they approach obsolete status — not confirmed in the source.
- If more models will be moved to vintage or obsolete lists in upcoming updates — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Vintage: Apple’s designation for products that have not been sold for more than five years; they may still be eligible for repair and service parts.
- Obsolete: Apple’s designation for products discontinued for seven years or more; these devices are no longer eligible for service by Apple.
- Servicing: Repair and replacement work performed by Apple or authorized providers, including provision of spare parts where available.
- iOS: Apple’s mobile operating system for iPhone; software updates are released by Apple and may be supported on certain older models.
Reader FAQ
Does vintage mean Apple will no longer repair the device?
No. Vintage devices are still eligible for repairs; obsolete devices are the ones that become ineligible.
Is the iPhone 11 Pro still receiving iOS updates?
Yes. According to the source, the iPhone 11 Pro still receives Apple’s current iOS releases and is the oldest iPhone that can run iOS 26.
How long until a vintage device becomes obsolete?
Apple’s timeline means about two years elapse between the vintage (5+ years) and obsolete (7+ years) designations.
Will replacement parts remain available for the Apple Watch Series 5?
Not confirmed in the source.
iOS 27: Here are seven new features rumored to be coming Ryan Christoffel Dec 30 2025 IPHONE IPHONE 11 PRO Apple says iPhone 11 Pro is ‘vintage,’ here’s what that…
Sources
- Apple says iPhone 11 Pro is ‘vintage,’ here’s what that means
- Apple Says iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple Watch Series 3 …
- Apple Adds iPhone 11 Pro Max to Vintage List – FindArticles
- What's the difference between vintage and obsolete …
Related posts
- Top pet gadgets of 2025: smart cameras, doors, feeders, and trackers
- How to Use AirPods Pro 3’s New Heart Rate Sensing Feature on iPhone
- Galaxy S26 leaks point to new Camera Assistant video and autofocus tools