Apple has recently updated its vintage and obsolete products list. Both the iPhone X, released in 2017, and the 15-inch MacBook Pro from 2018 have now been added to the vintage category – meaning discontinued products for which Apple no longer provides hardware repair services. Should either device develop a hardware fault, users will need to seek assistance from third-party, non-Apple-authorized repair providers.
Still Usable – But Official Repair Support Is Gone
As a general rule, Apple classifies a product as vintage approximately seven years after it ceases to be sold – though the precise timing remains at Apple’s discretion. Prior to that reclassification, products may remain on the classic products list, and as long as Apple can source the necessary components, authorized repair services remain available.
Accordingly, both the iPhone X and the 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro remain functional devices. However, should a hardware fault arise, Apple’s vintage product policy means the company will no longer service them. Even Apple Authorized Service Providers are unable to order spare parts for vintage devices, leaving users with no recourse beyond independent, non-authorized repair shops that may or may not be able to source salvaged components.
Software Support: Security Patches Continue, But Major Updates Have Stopped
On the software side, Apple continues to deliver essential security patches for these devices. Nevertheless, major operating system upgrades are no longer available for older hardware.
The iPhone X reached the end of its iOS upgrade path at iOS 16, with the current security maintenance release standing at iOS 16.7.16. The 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro, meanwhile, tops out at macOS 15.7.7.
Both devices remain operational on these frozen software versions. Over time, however, an increasing number of applications are dropping support for older operating system releases, which will progressively constrain the day-to-day utility of these machines. Given that the iPhone X made its debut nearly nine years ago, the case for upgrading to a current device has perhaps never been more compelling.
Support Our Threat Intelligence
If you find our technology report and cybersecurity news helpful, consider supporting our work.
Buy Me a Coffee
PayPal
