Apple Watch Series 4 and Additional Gadgets Classified as ‘Vintage’ by Apple

Apple Watch Series 4 and Additional Gadgets Classified as 'Vintage' by Apple

Apple Watch Series 4 and Additional Gadgets Classified as ‘Vintage’ by Apple


# Apple Watch Series 4 and Intel Macs Included in Vintage Product List

As the new year begins, Apple has refreshed its catalog of vintage and obsolete products, highlighting a notable point for several of its legendary devices. Among the newly listed items is the Apple Watch Series 4, now categorized as vintage alongside the 2019 15-inch MacBook Pro, one of the final Intel-based Macs manufactured by the company.

## Apple Watch Series 4: A Vintage Symbol

As of January 2024, every version of the Apple Watch Series 4, which encompasses both aluminum and stainless steel models in 40mm and 44mm sizes, is formally recognized as vintage worldwide. This smartwatch was initially launched in September 2018 and marked a substantial redesign for the Apple Watch series. The Series 4 introduced larger screens, slimmer bezels, and rounded corners, establishing a new benchmark for subsequent models.

In addition to its visual upgrades, the Series 4 was distinguished for its sophisticated health monitoring features, such as an ECG app that enabled users to perform electrocardiograms directly from their wrist. This functionality represented a significant advancement in wearable technology, reflecting Apple’s dedication to health and wellness.

Apple categorizes a product as vintage when it has been out of circulation for more than five years. Vintage devices are still eligible for repairs as long as the necessary parts are available. However, if a product has not been sold for over seven years, it is deemed obsolete and is ineligible for repairs.

With the recent introduction of watchOS 11, Apple has officially ceased software support for the Apple Watch Series 4, which received its final major update via watchOS 10.

## The 2019 15-inch MacBook Pro: A Transition Period

Alongside the Apple Watch Series 4, Apple has also added the 2019 15-inch MacBook Pro to its vintage product listing. This model was significant as it marked the last 15-inch MacBook Pro introduced before Apple moved to the 16-inch model later that year. The 2019 version was the final one to employ an Intel processor, signaling the conclusion of an era as Apple transitions to its own silicon.

In contrast to the Apple Watch Series 4, the 2019 MacBook Pro remains capable of running the latest macOS version, granting users ongoing access to new software features and security updates.

## Other Vintage Additions

In July 2024, Apple expanded its vintage list with several additional products, including the iPhone X, the first-generation AirPods, and the original HomePod. These devices have also contributed remarkably to the development of Apple’s product ecosystem.

For those curious about the complete list of vintage and obsolete products, Apple keeps an updated record on its official website, where users can find comprehensive information regarding the status of each device.

## Conclusion

The designation of the Apple Watch Series 4 and the 2019 15-inch MacBook Pro as vintage products serves as a reminder of the swift rate of technological progress in the consumer electronics sector. As Apple continues to innovate and introduce new offerings, older models will inevitably move into vintage and obsolete classifications. However, for numerous users, these gadgets remain treasured elements of technology that have profoundly affected their everyday lives.