### Recent Updates to Apple’s Vintage and Obsolete Product Catalog
Apple has recently refreshed its catalog of obsolete and vintage devices, adding several notable items. This revision features products such as the 2013 Mac Pro, several 2019 Macs, and 2018 iPads. A key point of this update is the designation of numerous AirPort products as ‘obsolete.’
#### Clarifying Vintage and Obsolete Categories
When Apple ceases the sale of a product, it initiates a timeline determining when that product can be categorized as vintage or obsolete. Apple provides a defined period of support following the discontinuation of a product:
– **Vintage**: A product is considered vintage five years after Apple halts its sales. Apple might still offer service and parts for repairs.
– **Obsolete**: Two years after a product is labeled as vintage, it is classified as obsolete. At this point, Apple ceases all hardware service and support.
#### Latest Additions to the Lists
The most recent updates to Apple’s vintage and obsolete categories consist of:
**Vintage Products:**
– iPhone 8 (128GB)
– 2019 13-inch MacBook Air
– 2019 iMac
– 2018 11-inch iPad Pro
– 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pro
– 2013 Mac Pro (trash can design)
**Obsolete Products:**
– AirPort Extreme (802.11AC)
– AirPort Express (2nd Generation)
– AirPort Time Capsule (2TB)
– AirPort Time Capsule (3TB)
The classification of the AirPort products as obsolete is especially relevant, leaving only one non-obsolete AirPort product in existence: the AirPort Express (802.11n, 1st generation), which remains in the vintage list and may receive some level of service from Apple.
#### Prospects for AirPort Products
There is conjecture that Apple might re-enter the router market, particularly in light of the company’s rumored new smart home strategies. Nevertheless, this is still uncertain, and for now, users of AirPort devices may need to explore alternatives. Presently, options like eero are well-regarded for Wi-Fi networking, with various discounts available during promotional sales.
#### Summary
As Apple continues to phase out older items, users of vintage and obsolete devices should be mindful of the consequences regarding service and support. The latest updates underscore the technology lifecycle and highlight the necessity of contemplating future-proof alternatives.
