Apple Just Called Another of Its Old iPhones ‘Obsolete’ – Here’s What That Means

Over time, Apple refers to its older products as “obsolete” or “vintage”, reflecting changes in the level of support it offers them – and now it’s the turn of the iPhone 5S, launched in September 2013, to be affixed with the obsolete badge. he.

As spotted by MacRumors, the change was made to Apple’s official support page for older hardware. Obsolete products, which now include the iPhone 5S, are products that Apple stopped selling seven or more years ago.

“Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products,” Apple explains. In other words, Apple won’t repair your device and third-party repair shops will struggle too.

The last major software update for the iPhone 5S was iOS 12, launched in 2018. As for the iPhone 5C, launched alongside the iPhone 5S in 2013, it was already on Apple’s list of obsolete products , so there is no change there.

More changes

Of course, the iPhone 5S was cutting edge when it first appeared. It was the first smartphone to use a 64-bit processor (the Apple A7) and it introduced the Touch ID fingerprint authentication system to the iPhone.

If you’re still using an iPhone 5S, it might be time to consider upgrading to one of the best iPhones available today: you’ll notice a serious improvement in the phone’s finish and performance, and you’ll get the latest iOS 17 software as well.

There are a few other changes to Apple’s list here: the sixth-generation iPod touch launched in 2015 and the late 2015 iMac with a 21.5-inch 4K display are now marked as vintage (so they don’t have not been sold by Apple). for more than five years).

Apple and its authorized partners will still offer repairs on vintage products, but this is subject to “parts availability” – so if the replacement part you need is no longer available, you probably won’t be able to get your device repaired. device.