### The Shift of the Apple Watch Series 1 to Obsolescence
Five years after Apple discontinues a product, it can be labeled as ‘vintage,’ enabling Apple to persist in providing repairs. After an additional five years, the product may be classified as ‘obsolete,’ at which point Apple stops offering hardware service or parts. Currently, the Apple Watch Series 1 has officially shifted to the ‘obsolete’ category. This article examines what this entails for users and the device’s history.
#### Clarifying the Series 1 and Series 2 Titles
The Apple Watch Series 1 is frequently mistaken for the second-generation model, though both refer to the same device in diverse contexts. When Apple introduced the original Apple Watch in 2015, it did not assign a series number. The subsequent year, with the launch of Series 1 and Series 2, the original model was retrospectively designated as Series 0.
The Series 1 is fundamentally a rebranded Series 0, equipped with a faster processor, while Series 2 brought significant enhancements, including GPS capability and water resistance.
As of now, the Apple Watch Series 1 has been officially transitioned from the ‘vintage’ list to the ‘obsolete’ list, joining the Series 2, which received the same classification in November 2024.
#### The Explanation for the Time Frame Variation
Apple possesses the authority to classify a product as vintage or obsolete once the five- or ten-year timeframe has elapsed, respectively. However, the company frequently delays this change until it depletes service parts. In the case of the Apple Watch, it appears that Apple ran out of parts for the Series 2 prior to the Series 1. As a result, both models are now regarded as obsolete.
For users still operating a Series 1 Apple Watch, this does not necessarily indicate the end of usability. However, accessing support may become increasingly difficult, as users will need to depend on selected third-party service centers for repairs and upkeep.
#### Final Thoughts
The shift of the Apple Watch Series 1 to obsolescence marks an important juncture for users of the device. Although it may still be operational, the absence of official support from Apple means that users must take initiative in seeking repairs and services. As technology continues to progress, grasping these classifications aids users in navigating the lifecycle of their devices.
