Apple declares one of its popular iPhones is now ‘obsolete’ which is bad news if you own it
While a flashy new phone might seem to be getting constantly released, you might have chosen to stick with your trusty one.
Or, perhaps you buy your devices second-hand or was given an old one by a family member to save some cash.
Because let’s face it, it can be pretty expensive to try and keep up with the latest iPhones and Androids. Plus, if yours isn’t broken, why fix it?
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Well, that could be just the problem as Apple has declared one of its popular iPhones is now ‘obsolete’. So, if it does break, it will stay broken.
That’s because once a product hits its tenth birthday, the tech company can no longer order repair parts for it.
And recently added to its ‘obsolete list’ is the iPhone 5s. A pretty iconic model if you ask me. The customer service site explains: “Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products.”
The ‘iPhone products obsolete worldwide’ list also includes the iPhone 6 Plus.
The iPhone 5s was released back in 2013 and offered users a big boost to its camera compared to the standard iPhone 5.
All the iPhones on this list are:
- iPhone
- iPhone 3G (China mainland) 8GB
- iPhone 3G 8GB, 16GB
- iPhone 3GS (China mainland) 16GB, 32GB
- iPhone 3GS (8GB)
- iPhone 3GS 16GB, 32GB
- iPhone 4 CDMA
- iPhone 4 CDMA (8GB)
- iPhone 4 16GB, 32GB
- iPhone 4 GSM (8GB), Black
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 4S (8GB)
- iPhone 5C
- iPhone 5S
- iPhone 6 Plus
So, basically, if you’re still holding on to one of these iPhones, you’re f**ked if it breaks because Apple won’t be able to help you.
According to the company, products are considered obsolete when it stopped distributing them for sale over seven years ago.
Most iPhones tend to receive between six and eight years of software support, and they tend to become obsolete long after they stop receiving updates.
It’s not just iPhones either with MacBooks, iMacs, iPads, iPods and Apple Watches also running their course.
Before a device does become obsolete though, they’re considered ‘vintage’.
The support site explains: “Products are considered vintage when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 5 and less than 7 years ago.”
No iPhones are currently considered ‘vintage’ but some Mac desktops and laptops are.
But either way, it might finally be time to update your old banger iPhone.
Jess Battison