Apple Drops the Vintage Flag on the iPhone 7 Plus & iPhone 8
Apple’s Vintage list just got a fresh update—two classic models, the iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone 8, have officially been given the much‑sought “vintage” stamp. This means Apple will now limit support and service for these phones, keeping repairs in the hands of Authorized Service Providers and Apple retail stores.
What’s the deal with Vintage?
- When a device turns five years old, it enters the Vintage category.
- Only authorized reps and Apple Stores can fix it.
- Repairs depend on whether spare parts are still available.
Why the 128GB iPhone 8 isn’t on the list yet
Apple skipped the 128‑GB model because it stays in the market a bit longer—so it hasn’t hit the five‑year threshold yet. The same goes for the PRODUCTRED variant; it’s lined up to join the Vintage squad when the time comes.
Bottom line
If you’ve got an iPhone 7 Plus or an iPhone 8 lying around, now’s a good time to upgrade or consider a trade‑in—because Apple’s ready to tighten up support for these beloved but aging devices.
Apple Says Goodbye to Two Classic Tablets
Apple has officially stamped the iPad mini 2 and iPad Air 2 as obsolete. That means the devices have been on shelves for a whopping seven years—and it’s time to retire them.
What Does “Obsolete” Really Mean?
- Apple’s Apple Stores and Authorized Service Providers will no longer offer repairs, upgrades, or parts for these models.
- Users will find that network support drops out of the package—think battery replacements and software updates.
- In practical terms, if you’re still holding onto an iPad mini 2 or Air 2, expect a bit of tough love from the tech side but it should keep running for a while.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re rim‑roaming in the tech world, here are a few steps to navigate the transition:
- Back up your data – Copy your photos, notes, and app info to iCloud or a computer.
- Consider upgrading to a newer iPad if you’re leaning on new software features.
- Look for third‑party repair services if you’re tied to a specific issue that wasn’t covered by Apple.
Apple’s Not Getting Ol’ iPad Out of the Picture Yet
Even though the iPad mini 2 and Air 2 are officially out of the Apple maintenance loop, the company remains tight‑fisted about its newer offerings—helping to usher the next generation of tablets onto the scene.
Bottom line: if you’re still sporting a mini or Air, make sure you’ve got your data safely tucked away, but consider letting go of those devices when the inevitable arises.
