Apple Tags These iPhone Models as Vintage Ahead of iPhone 17 Launch

Apple is gearing up to launch its highly anticipated iPhone 17 series on September 9, 2025, and ahead of this event, the company has added select devices to its vintage and obsolete product lists. This includes two iPhone 8 Plus models and three Mac laptops. Apple maintains these lists to inform customers about devices that are no longer actively supported or sold, helping users understand product lifecycle and service eligibility.

iPhones Added to the Vintage List

Apple has officially added two iPhone 8 Plus models to its vintage products list:

• iPhone 8 Plus 64GB

• iPhone 8 Plus 256GB

These models are no longer sold in most regions, and labeling them as “vintage” indicates that they are between 5 to 7 years old since the last distribution for sale. Apple’s vintage list is updated regularly and available on its official website, serving as a reference for users to check which devices are nearing the end of their support lifecycle.

What Apple Means by Vintage and Obsolete

Apple classifies products into two categories:

• Vintage: Devices that stopped being distributed for sale more than 5 but less than 7 years ago

• Obsolete: Devices that stopped being distributed for sale more than 7 years ago

While vintage products may still be eligible for limited repair services, obsolete devices no longer receive official repair support.

Macs Added to the Obsolete List

Alongside the iPhones, Apple has added three Mac models to its obsolete list:

• 11-inch MacBook Air (2015)

• 13-inch MacBook Pro with 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports (2017)

• 15-inch MacBook Pro (2017)

Although Apple does not provide repair services for obsolete products, its support page mentions that Mac laptops may be eligible for an extended battery-only repair period for up to 10 years from the last sale date.

Expected Discontinuation After iPhone 17 Launch

Apple typically discontinues older iPhone models following the launch of a new series. For the upcoming iPhone 17 launch, the company is likely to stop selling:

• iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max (official channels)

• Possibly iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, as these models are now two years old

While official Apple stores will discontinue these models, third-party e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon may continue selling the remaining stock. This is a common practice to clear inventory before new models hit the market.

Apple’s Product Lifecycle and Consumer Impact

Apple’s vintage and obsolete designations help users make informed decisions about device maintenance and upgrades. Customers owning vintage devices may still access repair services for a limited period, while obsolete products no longer receive support. This classification also signals when it might be a good time to upgrade to newer models, such as the upcoming iPhone 17 series.

The discontinuation of older iPhone models ensures that Apple can focus production on the latest devices and encourages consumers to adopt the newest technology, maintaining a seamless ecosystem of devices and services.

Conclusion

As Apple prepares for the iPhone 17 series launch, it has added the iPhone 8 Plus models to the vintage list and several Mac laptops to the obsolete list. This move highlights Apple’s structured approach to product lifecycle management, repair support, and encouraging upgrades. Consumers should be aware of these changes, particularly if they own older iPhones or MacBooks, to make informed decisions about repairs, replacements, or upgrades ahead of the iPhone 17 release.