Apple has announced a significant shift in its product support policy, classifying the 2018 Retina MacBook Air and several MacBook Pro models as "obsolete." This reclassification impacts repair options for owners, marking the end of standard hardware service for these devices.
Obsolete vs. Vintage: Understanding Apple's Classifications
Apple categorizes products as "vintage" five years after their last distribution for sale, meaning they can still receive repairs if parts are available. After seven years, products become "obsolete," at which point standard hardware service typically ceases due to the unavailability of repair components.
Affected Models Now on the Obsolete List
The specific models now on the obsolete list include the 2018 Retina MacBook Air, the 13-inch 2018 MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, and the 13-inch 2017 MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt 3 ports. These models were previously listed as vintage.
Service Implications for Owners
For owners of these newly obsolete Macs, most hardware repairs through Apple Stores and authorized service providers will no longer be offered. However, a notable exception exists for Mac laptops: battery-only repairs may still be available for up to 10 years after a model's last distribution date, provided the necessary parts are in stock. This means some users might still be able to replace their batteries.
Legacy of the Affected Models
The 2018 MacBook Air was a landmark device, introducing the Retina display and Touch ID to the Air lineup, alongside a thinner design and smaller bezels. The 2017 MacBook Pro featured Intel's Kaby Lake processors, while the 2018 MacBook Pro included True Tone display technology and a third-generation butterfly keyboard.