# Apple Announces New Obsolete and Vintage Macs: Key Information
Apple is set to introduce its newest M4 Macs in the near future, but in a noteworthy action, the tech leader has also revised its support status for a number of older Mac models. Recently, nine Macs have been included on Apple’s ‘obsolete products’ list, and three more have been labeled as ‘vintage.’ It’s important for users of older Mac devices to grasp the implications of these classifications.
## Understanding Obsolete and Vintage Products
Before examining the details of the newly categorized models, it’s vital to explain what Apple denotes by ‘obsolete’ and ‘vintage’ products.
### Obsolete Products
As per Apple, a device is marked **obsolete** if it has not been sold for over seven years. This classification implies that:
– The product is ineligible for repairs by Apple.
– Third-party repair services cannot procure parts for repairs.
– The sole exception pertains to battery-only repairs on Mac laptops, which can be maintained for up to ten years from the last sale date, contingent on parts availability.
### Vintage Products
Conversely, a **vintage** product is one that Apple ceased distribution between five to seven years ago. While these devices can still undergo parts repair by Apple, the accessibility of parts may be restricted, complicating the upkeep of these older models.
## Recent Additions to the Obsolete and Vintage Lists
Apple’s recent update has led to the following nine Macs being classified as obsolete:
### Obsolete Macs
1. MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015)
2. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
3. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
4. MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
5. MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)
6. MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
7. iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015)
8. iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015)
9. iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)
These models have moved from the vintage category to the obsolete list, indicating they are no longer eligible for any hardware repairs from Apple.
### Vintage Macs
Alongside the obsolete models, three Macs have now been categorized as vintage:
1. MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
2. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
3. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
If you possess a Mac that has recently been designated as vintage, it’s recommended to attend to any possible repairs promptly, due to the limited availability of parts.
## Conclusion
Apple’s update to its obsolete and vintage product classifications highlights the swift pace of technological progress and the necessity of maintaining current devices. Users with newly categorized obsolete Macs should note that they will no longer receive Apple support, while those with vintage models should take swift action for any needed repairs. For a complete roster of obsolete and vintage products, you can check [Apple’s support page](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102772).
As Apple gears up to launch its new M4 Macs, the landscape of Mac support continues to shift, making it essential for users to remain aware of their devices’ statuses.
