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Apple’s vintage and obsolete list identifies products by how long ago Apple stopped distributing them for sale. Vintage means more than five but less than seven years; obsolete means more than seven years. These are Apple service categories—not guarantees about software updates, device function, resale value, or repair options from independent shops. Apple’s live list is the authority for an exact model and configuration: Apple’s post-warranty service and product list.
What “vintage” and “obsolete” mean at Apple
Apple bases both categories on the date it stopped distributing a product for sale, not the date an individual bought it. A product is vintage after more than five and less than seven years. It is obsolete after more than seven years. Apple says service providers may offer service and parts for covered products for at least five years after the last distribution date, subject to exceptions and availability.
- Vintage: The product falls within Apple’s more-than-five-to-less-than-seven-year window. Its listing does not guarantee that a particular repair or part is currently available.
- Obsolete: Apple discontinues hardware service, and service providers cannot order parts. Apple says Mac laptops may qualify for battery-only repair for up to ten years after last distribution, depending on parts availability.
Monster-branded Beats products are considered obsolete regardless of when they were purchased. Apple’s classifications do not establish whether a device still receives software updates or whether an independent repair shop can service it.
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- Identify the full model and configuration. Record the product generation and details such as screen size, storage, Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, finish, and included remote when applicable.
- Open Apple’s current list. Use Apple’s post-warranty service page, then check the relevant product family and compare the entry carefully. Family names alone may not be specific enough.
- Read the entry’s footnotes. Some models have qualifications or service-status instructions. For example, Apple’s vintage Mac mini (2018) entry directs customers to check with an Apple-authorized service channel.
- Ask an Apple service provider about the repair you need. A list entry describes Apple’s classification; it does not confirm that a specific part is in stock locally. Apple notes that parts may be unavailable in some countries or regions because of local laws or material restrictions.
Apple’s list is dynamic. The examples below were checked against Apple’s article published September 15, 2026; verify the live page before making a service decision.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Mac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad examples
Mac
Apple’s vintage examples include MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019 and 2020), MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, two- and four-port Thunderbolt 3 variants), Mac mini (Late 2014), and Mac Pro (Late 2013). The Mac mini (2018) also appears as vintage, with a note to check an Apple-authorized service provider for its service status. Apple’s obsolete Mac list includes older laptops, desktops, displays, and peripherals.
iPod
iPod touch (4th generation) and iPod touch (6th generation) are among Apple’s vintage examples. The obsolete category includes products from the classic, mini, nano, shuffle, photo, and touch families.
Rank #2
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1320x2868px at 460ppi, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 4685mAh Battery
- 1TB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 Pro (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz), Apple GPU 6-core, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.3
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.8 (periscope telephoto) 5x optical zoom + 48MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth), Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9 (wide)
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
iPhone
Vintage examples include specified storage variants of iPhone 6s and iPhone 8, as well as iPhone 7, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Apple’s obsolete entries include earlier generations and distinguish some configurations, including by color or capacity.
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Vintage examples include iPad Air 3, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), and iPad (6th generation). For some entries, Apple lists Wi-Fi and cellular models separately. The obsolete category includes the original iPad, multiple iPad mini generations, older Air models, and earlier Pro generations.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Beats, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple TV examples
Beats
Apple lists a small group of Beats products as vintage in the United States but obsolete elsewhere, including Beats X (Defiant Black-Red), Powerbeats Wireless 3, Solo Pro 1, and Tour (2nd generation). Monster-branded Beats products are subject to Apple’s separate rule: they are obsolete regardless of purchase date.
Apple Watch
Vintage examples include configurations of Apple Watch Series 3, Series 4, and Series 5. Apple’s obsolete list includes first-generation models, Series 1 and 2 configurations, and selected Series 4 Nike and Hermès variants. Apple’s vintage discovery link is marked “Apple Store only,” so check the live Apple page for the applicable route.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
AirPods
AirPods (1st generation) appears as vintage worldwide.
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Apple TV
Apple lists Apple TV (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation) as obsolete. It also specifies Apple TV HD (Early 2016) when sold with the first-generation Siri Remote whose Menu button does not have a white ring. That remote detail matters when matching the entry.
Best Value
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion technology. Always-On display. Titanium with textured matte glass back. Action button
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU
- Pro camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide| Telephoto. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. Up to 10x optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 29 hours video playback. USB-C, Supports USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers. Face ID
Regional service rules to know
Apple describes a France-specific seven-year service-and-parts period for qualifying products: new iPhone or Mac laptop products purchased after December 31, 2020, and new iPad products purchased after June 24, 2024. The period is counted from when Apple last supplied the model for distribution in France. Apple also notes that local laws or material restrictions can affect part availability in some regions.
Because Apple’s U.S. article identifies the Beats vintage list as U.S.-specific and obsolete elsewhere, do not apply that classification to every country. Check the applicable regional service terms and the exact product entry with Apple.
What the list does—and does not—tell you
- It tells you Apple’s vintage or obsolete classification for the listed model and any configuration Apple specifies.
- It helps set service expectations: obsolete products are no longer eligible for Apple hardware service, with the stated Mac laptop battery-only exception subject to parts availability.
- It does not guarantee that a vintage device can be repaired, that a listed part is in stock, or that the device receives current software updates.
- It does not determine whether an independent repair shop can work on the device or whether used examples are available for sale.
For a definitive answer, match the complete model details against Apple’s current list and confirm the requested service with an Apple-authorized provider.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
