Apple declares millions of devices ‘obsolete’ as iPhones and iPads add to doomed gadget list with tragic consequences
APPLE is adding another iPhone to its list of obsolete gadgets.
That’s bad news for anyone still using the device as it means support is being taken away.
The iPhone 6 Plus was released in 2014 and had a large 5.5-inch display.
That was groundbreaking for the time as all other iPhones before this had been a lot smaller.
The iPhone 6 Plus joining the obsolete list means it now features 14 phones.
All 14 devices on the list are as follows:
- iPhone
- iPhone 3G (China mainland) 8GB
- iPhone 3G 8GB, 16GB
- iPhone 3GS (China mainland) 16GB, 32GB
- iPhone 3GS (8GB)
- iPhone 3GS 16GB, 32GB
- iPhone 4 CDMA
- iPhone 4 CDMA (8GB)
- iPhone 4 16GB, 32GB
- iPhone 4 GSM (8GB), Black
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 4S (8GB)
- iPhone 5C
- iPhone 6 Plus
Apple also has a list of vintage and obsolete iPads and is adding to it again.
The iPad Mini 4 will now be considered vintage.
Vintage is the stage before obsolete so users will still be able to get software and hardware updates for the iPad Mini 4.
No hardware updates will be available for the iPhone 6 Plus.
Eventually, no software updates are available for obsolete devices.
This can leave the gadget susceptible to cybercriminals as you won’t have the latest security software.
“Products are considered vintage when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 5 and less than 7 years ago,” Apple’s Support page states.
Adding: “Products are considered obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 7 years ago.”
Apple says it “discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products.”
Why does Apple make products obsolete?
There are numerous reasons why Apple makes products obsolete...
The main reason for Apple’s obsolete list of products is that technology has changed and improved over time.
It’s also not financially viable for Apple to fix the hardware on all old products as well as new ones.
Apple explains on its website: “Products are considered obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 7 years ago.
“Monster-branded Beats products are considered obsolete regardless of when they were purchased.
“Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products.
“Mac laptops may be eligible for an extended battery-only repair period for up to 10 years from when the product was last distributed for sale, subject to parts availability.”