Several times a year, Apple updates its list of obsolete and vintage devices. Lists that contain a big surprise.
It was in June that Apple last updated its list of obsolete and old (or vintage according to Apple) products, with the now obsolete iPhone 5s. This means that it can no longer be repaired at Apple or an authorized service center. This list of obsolete devices welcomes the Apple Watch Series 2, the marketing of which stopped in 2017.
For its part, the list of vintage devices contains a rather surprising new entry. Indeed, it is the iPhone Xs Max, which has not been sold since 2019, which is now considered vintage. If the five-year cycle after the end of sales allowing it to join this list is reached, the iPhone Xs Max remains updated with iOS 18. Its addition to the list of vintage iPhones is therefore quite surprising. This is also the case for the iPhone 6s Plus.
These two iPhone models can still be repaired by Apple or an authorized repairer provided that the spare parts are in stock. These can no longer be ordered.
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What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of having a device designated as vintage or obsolete for third-party repair businesses, and how does this impact the overall repair ecosystem?
After researching the article and conducting some background research on the topic, we have compiled a list of open-ended questions that will help shed light on the significance of Apple’s decision to add certain devices to their “obsolete” and “vintage” list:
1. What factors does Apple consider when deciding whether a device becomes obsolete or vintage? How does this decision impact customers who still own these devices?
2. In what ways does the addition of iPhone Xs Max and iPhone 6s Plus to the vintage device list come as a surprise to you? Why do you think Apple made this decision?
3. How have consumers reacted to Apple’s decision to discontinue repairs for obsolete devices like the iPhone 5s? Do you think this will impact their loyalty towards the brand in the future?
4. Do you think there is a threshold beyond which a company should stop providing repair services for devices? If so, what factors should be taken into account when making such decisions?
5. What are the implications of Apple’s approach to device lifecycles for the environment? Are there any alternatives that could be more sustainable?
6. How do you think Apple’s stance on device lifecycles compares to other tech giants like Samsung and Google? Is there a potential opportunity for competitors to capitalize on this by offering more sustainable options or longer device support periods?
For the first section of the interview, we can begin by discussing Apple’s criteria for classifying devices as obsolete or vintage. This will set the tone for the broader conversation about device lifecycles and consumer expectations. From there, we can move on to exploring the specific cases of the iPhone Xs Max and iPhone 6s Plus, their unique features and impact on Apple’s image. The third question will delve deeper into consumer perceptions and potential brand loyalty shifts.
The fourth question will open up a dialogue about the ethical and business implications of discontinuing repairs, while the fifth question focuses more on environmental concerns. the last question serves as a potential closing statement, tying in the broader industry context and future possibilities for sustainable device support.
