Days before iPhone 17 launch, Apple moves these iPhone models to Vintage list

As Apple gears up for its much-anticipated hardware launch in Cupertino, the tech giant has made a noteworthy move by designating several older devices as 'Vintage.' This decision comes just days ahead of the unveiling of the new iPhone 17 series, alongside various accessories. According to Apple's definition, a product is classified as vintage if it has been out of the sales market for more than five years but less than seven. Typically, Apple Stores and authorized service providers do not offer repairs for these vintage items. However, certain MacBook models can still receive battery replacements for up to a decade after their production ceased, contingent on parts availability. Three MacBook versions have made it to the Vintage list: the 11-inch MacBook Air, which was retired in October 2016, and the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models, both of which were discontinued in 2017. Despite its discontinuation, the 11-inch MacBook Air was available through select resellers until 2018. On the iPhone front, two variants of the iPhone 8 Plus—specifically the 64GB and 256GB models—have been added to the Vintage list. Launched alongside the iPhone X in 2017, the iPhone 8 Plus was last updated with iOS 16 in 2022. The fate of the 128GB variant remains uncertain regarding its potential addition to the obsolete list. For users of these aging devices, now might be the opportune moment to consider upgrading, as parts for repairs could soon become scarce. The newly designated vintage products include: - MacBook Air (11-inch) - MacBook Pro (13-inch) - MacBook Pro (15-inch) - iPhone 8 Plus (64GB and 256GB models) Looking ahead, the upcoming iPhone 17 launch may also spell the end for several existing models. While not confirmed, there is speculation that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus may be discontinued post-launch. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max could also face the chopping block, as Apple tends to avoid selling two Pro models concurrently. Stay tuned for more details on the expected pricing, features, and launch specifics for the iPhone 17, including the Pro, Pro Max, and Air models.