Apple adds three devices to obsolete list, ending hardware support for owners

Apple has added three of its older products to its official "obsolete" list, a move that removes access to Apple-authorized hardware repair services for owners of those devices.

The update, first noted by MacRumors, names among the newly obsolete products the 11-inch MacBook Air introduced in March 2015, which launched at $899/£749 and was widely praised at the time for its slim design and portability. Owners of devices placed in the obsolete category will no longer be able to obtain hardware service from Apple.

Apple classifies its products through a three-tier lifecycle: current, vintage and obsolete. Under the company’s publicly stated policy, products that have been discontinued for more than seven years typically fall into the obsolete category and are no longer eligible for hardware service from Apple or authorized service providers.

The designation does not affect software updates for devices that still meet the system requirements, but it does mean that replacement parts and Apple-authorized repairs are not available. For some users, the change can complicate repairs and increase reliance on third-party technicians or the secondary market for components.

The decision reopens longstanding debates about device longevity and the environmental impact of fast-moving consumer technology. Critics have argued that manufacturer practices and short product lifecycles contribute to growing volumes of electronic waste, while advocates for repairability and extended support say broader access to parts and documentation could reduce unnecessary replacements.

Apple has periodically updated its list of obsolete products as older models reach the end of their official service windows. The offline status of a device is not permanent in the sense of legality or use—owners can continue to use their hardware—but it does mark an end to Apple’s hardware support and can affect the feasibility of future repairs.

For affected users, options include seeking repairs from independent technicians, buying used or salvaged parts, or recycling devices through local programs. Some regions have laws that affect repair obligations or provide consumer protections that can influence available options, but the obsolete classification by Apple itself means the company will not provide service through its own channels for those products.

Apple and other technology manufacturers have faced sustained scrutiny from consumer groups and environmental advocates over practices related to repairability, parts availability and device update policies. The addition of older models to the obsolete list is a reminder of the finite service life of consumer electronics and the trade-offs consumers face between newer functionality and the costs of maintaining older devices.

As Apple continues to release new products, older models will move through the lifecycle categories and eventually reach obsolete status. The company’s periodic updates to its service and support lists are likely to remain a focal point for conversations about sustainability and the right to repair in the technology sector.