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Apple Designates Specific iPhone SE, iPad Pro, and Apple Watch Models as Outdated

Apple has refreshed its catalog of vintage and obsolete products, incorporating five new entries into the ‘obsolete’ category. This includes the original iPhone SE, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation), along with various models of the Apple Watch and Beats. Below are the specifics of the newly added items:

### Five New Additions to Apple’s Obsolete Products List

As reported by Aaron Perris on X, Apple has recently revised its list of obsolete products. The items that are now categorized as obsolete are:

– iPhone SE (first generation)
– iPad Pro 12.9-inch (second generation)
– Apple Watch Series 4 Hermes models
– Apple Watch Series 4 Nike models
– Beats Pill 2.0

It’s noteworthy that the standard Apple Watch Series 4 still maintains its vintage classification and has not yet transitioned to obsolete status, as only the Hermes and Nike variants have been included on this list.

### What Does It Mean for a Product to Be Considered Obsolete?

Per Apple, products are considered obsolete when they haven’t been sold for over 7 years. Moreover, Monster-branded Beats items are considered obsolete irrespective of their purchase date. Apple ceases all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for these devices. Nonetheless, Mac laptops may be eligible for an extended battery-only repair period of up to 10 years from their last sale date, contingent upon parts availability.

The designation of products as obsolete takes place 7 years after they are no longer sold, opposed to 7 years after their original launch. This can result in certain versions of a product being obsolete while others are still classified as vintage. For example, the standard Apple Watch Series 4 was still available for purchase after the Nike and Hermes models were discontinued.

### Keeping Track of Vintage and Obsolete Products

If you are worried about your devices becoming obsolete and losing their repair eligibility, you can find the complete list of vintage products on Apple’s support page. A product is deemed vintage 5 years after it stops being sold, which means items on this list will convert to obsolete status in two years or less.

For individuals wishing to remain informed about Apple’s product classifications, it is recommended to periodically check the lists provided by Apple to ensure that your devices continue to qualify for service and support.

App Store Accountability Act Seeks to Make Apple Responsible for Age Verification Procedures

### The App Store Accountability Act: A Fresh Perspective on Age Verification

There has been rising demand from both state and federal authorities to shield children from age-inappropriate content on apps and websites. This concern has resulted in a notable change in the perception of age verification duties, transitioning from individual app developers to the app stores themselves. This transformation is encapsulated in the recently proposed App Store Accountability Act (ASA).

#### Present Situation of Age Verification

Historically, app developers have held the legal obligation of ensuring the application of age verification measures for their users. However, states like Utah and Texas have started to hold major tech firms, such as Apple and Google, responsible for age verification. This trend is picking up momentum, with numerous other states contemplating similar legislation.

A report from The Verge indicates that a federal law could potentially unify this approach across the country, making it an essential issue for both app developers and technology giants.

#### Core Elements of the App Store Accountability Act

The ASA suggests that mobile app stores assume the duty of verifying the ages of users. Once verified, this data would be communicated to apps during the download process. This legislative initiative has arisen as part of a more extensive package aimed at improving child safety online.

The bill’s advocates argue that this method is a “reasonable measure.” Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), a co-sponsor of the House version, highlights that it holds major tech companies to the same standards as local retailers, which are already obliged to adhere to age limitations on items like tobacco and firearms.

#### Privacy and User Experience Issues

Opponents of the current system contend that requiring users to present government-issued IDs and video selfies to various developers introduces considerable privacy threats. A more centralized verification system, where companies like Apple manage age verification once, could reduce these concerns. This would not only enhance user privacy but also improve the overall user experience by eliminating the necessity for repeated age verification every time a user installs a new app.

#### Conclusion

The App Store Accountability Act signifies a noteworthy transition in the duty of age verification from app developers to app stores. As discussions about child safety online continue to progress, this legislation could establish a benchmark for how age-inappropriate content is handled in the digital realm. With increasing backing for this approach, it remains to be seen how it will be rolled out and its potential effects on both users and developers.