Apple Adds iPhone XS Max and More to Vintage/Obsolete Product Lists

Apple has recently expanded its vintage and obsolete product lists, designating several older models of iPhones and Apple Watches. The iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone XS Max have been officially classified as “vintage” worldwide. According to Apple’s criteria, a device becomes vintage when it has been more than five years since the company ceased selling it. Although repairs for these devices are still possible, they are only provided if spare parts are available.

An interesting exception exists for the iPhone 6s Plus with 32GB of storage, which was already marked as “obsolete” prior to this update. Meanwhile, the smaller iPhone XS and iPhone 6s remain absent from the vintage list.

Apple has also declared that aluminum and stainless steel models of the Apple Watch Series 2 are now “obsolete” on a global scale. However, the high-end ceramic version of the Apple Watch Series 2 has not yet received this classification. Under Apple’s guidelines, a product is considered obsolete once seven years have passed since its sale discontinuation. These obsolete devices are generally ineligible for repair through Apple or Authorized Service Providers, with a rare exception for MacBook battery replacements for up to ten years post-purchase.

In other news, Apple is preparing for a significant update, iOS 18.2, expected next month. This release will introduce the second wave of Apple Intelligence features for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models, showcasing enhanced AI-driven tools for image generation and improvements in Visual Intelligence. Alongside these AI features, new general settings and controls will be introduced.

The forthcoming iPhone SE 4 is also in the spotlight, with reports from Korea’s Ajunews confirming LG Innotek as the supplier for its front camera module. Final tests are reportedly in progress, and mass production is anticipated to commence in December.

Legal troubles have also emerged for Apple, with a trio of customers filing a class action lawsuit. The plaintiffs accuse Apple of breaching California consumer protection laws and false advertising, citing persistent crackling or static issues with the AirPods Pro. Users started reporting these problems only months after the product launched in October 2019.

In a related update, Apple has released new firmware for AirPods models. AirPods 4 have moved to version 7B20, while AirPods Pro 2 have transitioned to 7B21. The changes made in these firmware updates are currently unclear.

Moreover, the new M4 MacBook Pro models feature cutting-edge quantum dot display technology. Display analyst Ross Young highlighted that Apple utilized a quantum dot film instead of the traditional red KSF phosphor film, leading to more vibrant and accurate color reproduction. This move reflects Apple’s continuous focus on color accuracy while ensuring environmentally friendly practices, as quantum dot materials often contain toxic cadmium.

Finally, Apple unveiled Final Cut Pro 11 for Macs and iPads, marking the first major upgrade to the video editing software in 13 years. The new version was teased alongside the launch of the M4 Macs in October and is now available for download, promising advanced features to cater to professional video creators.