Apple is gearing up for its much-anticipated ‘Awe Dropping’ event on September 9, where the iPhone 17 series is expected to make its debut. But before the spotlight shifts to the new lineup, Apple has made some quiet but significant updates to its product status lists. The iPhone 8 Plus has officially been marked as a vintage product, and a few older MacBooks, including the 11-inch MacBook Air, have now joined the obsolete category.
Vintage
So, what does “vintage” actually mean in Apple terms? Well, Apple considers a product vintage when it hasn’t been sold for more than five years but not quite seven. The iPhone 8 Plus, which launched in 2017, falls into this range. Specifically, Apple has added the 64GB and 256GB variants to its vintage list. Interestingly, the 128GB version hasn’t made the cut just yet.
The iPhone 8 Plus was once a flagship device. Remember when it launched in India at a whopping Rs. 73,000 for the 64GB model and Rs. 86,000 for the 256GB version? It came with a dual-camera setup and was one of the last iPhones with a home button, making it a favorite for many users even today.
Vintage doesn’t mean you’re completely out of luck if you need a repair. Apple may still offer limited support if parts are available. But don’t count on it forever—this status is your last window before full-on obsolescence.
Obsolete
Apple’s “obsolete” label is a little harsher. Products that haven’t been sold for over seven years fall into this category. Once something is obsolete, you can kiss Apple’s hardware support goodbye—no more repairs, and service providers can’t order parts for them.
Here are the latest models that just crossed that line:
| Device | Year Launched | Status |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, 256GB) | 2017 | Vintage |
| 11-inch MacBook Air | 2015 | Obsolete |
| 13-inch MacBook Pro | 2017 | Obsolete |
| 15-inch MacBook Pro | 2017 | Obsolete |
The 11-inch MacBook Air is a classic device that many people loved for its portability, but its time has come. Similarly, the 2017 MacBook Pro models are also now out of the support window.
There’s a small exception to the rule: MacBooks may still be eligible for battery-only repairs for up to 10 years, depending on parts availability. But that’s about as far as Apple will go once a product is declared obsolete.
Event
Why is Apple making these updates now? Timing is everything. The company is just days away from unveiling the iPhone 17 series, alongside other potential launches like the Apple Watch Series 11 and AirPods Pro 3. The event is scheduled for September 9 at 10 am PT (10:30 pm IST), and expectations are sky-high.
Marking older products as vintage or obsolete helps clear the deck for what’s next. It’s Apple’s way of closing one chapter before opening another.
Wrap
If you’re still using an iPhone 8 Plus or one of those older MacBooks, this update might be your cue to upgrade—or at least back up your data. Support won’t last forever, and parts are only getting scarcer. On the flip side, it’s a reminder of just how long Apple products can last if taken care of.
As we count down to the iPhone 17 launch, it’s clear that Apple’s eyes are on the future—but it’s also gently nudging users to move along with it.
FAQs
What does vintage mean at Apple?
It means the product hasn’t been sold for 5–7 years.
Is iPhone 8 Plus obsolete now?
No, it’s vintage but not obsolete yet.
Can I repair my iPhone 8 Plus?
Yes, but only if parts are still available.
When is Apple’s iPhone 17 event?
It’s on September 9 at 10 am PT.
What MacBooks are now obsolete?
The 11-inch Air and 2017 MacBook Pros.
