Apple has officially added several well-known devices to its vintage products list, including the final Intel-based MacBook Air and the Apple Watch Series 5. The update, announced on December 31, marks a new phase in the lifecycle of these products and affects how long Apple may continue to service them.
The move reflects Apple’s ongoing transition away from older hardware as it focuses on newer technologies and platforms.
Final Intel MacBook Air Reaches a Milestone
The MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020) now holds a special place in Apple history. It was the last MacBook Air powered by Intel processors and launched in March 2020. Apple discontinued it just eight months later when the first M1 MacBook Air debuted.
That short lifespan makes the model notable. It represented the end of an era before Apple fully embraced its own silicon chips. Today, Apple considers the device vintage because more than five years have passed since it stopped selling it.
Apple Watch Series 5 Also Added
Apple also classified multiple versions of the Apple Watch Series 5 as vintage. These include aluminum, ceramic, stainless steel, titanium, Nike, and Hermès models in both 40mm and 44mm sizes.
When it launched in 2019, the Series 5 introduced an always-on display, which later became standard across Apple Watch models. While newer watches now offer more health features, the Series 5 remains a meaningful step in the product’s evolution.
What “Vintage” Means for Users
Apple defines a product as vintage once five years have passed since it was last sold. During this period, Apple Stores and Authorized Service Providers may still offer repairs. However, repairs depend on whether parts remain available.
Once a product reaches seven years after sale, Apple moves it to the obsolete list. At that point, hardware service usually ends, except for certain Mac battery repairs, which may last up to ten years.
More Devices Join the List
Alongside the MacBook Air and Watch Series 5, Apple also added the iPhone 11 Pro and select configurations of the iPhone 8 Plus and iPad Air 3. Meanwhile, a special Mickey Mouse edition of Beats Solo3 headphones moved from vintage to obsolete.
A Sign of Apple’s Changing Focus
This update highlights Apple’s steady push toward newer hardware and longer-term support for its latest devices. For users of older Apple products, the change serves as a reminder to plan ahead, especially when it comes to repairs and upgrades.
