Apple Releases List of iPhones, iPads That Are Outdated in 2026 and Won't Be Sold Again
- Apple has declared several iPhone and iPad models as vintage or obsolete, ending official support
- Obsolete devices include early models like the iPhone 3G and 4, limiting repair options for their users
- Vintage devices like iPhone 6 and 7 may still receive limited service depending on the availability of parts
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Tech giant Apple has released an updated list of iPhone models now classified as either vintage or obsolete, officially marking the end of hardware service support for several older devices worldwide.
In a statement released on its official website, Apple explained that a phone is considered obsolete once the company stops distributing it for sale for more than seven years.
Source: Instagram
Once a product is declared obsolete, Apple discontinues all hardware service, and authorised service providers can no longer order replacement parts for those devices.
The company emphasised that products are considered obsolete regardless of when individual customers purchased them - the determining factor is when distribution ceased.
Apple classifies products as vintage when they stop distributing it more than five years ago but less than seven years ago.
Vintage devices may still receive limited service support, depending on parts availability.
Vintage iPhones, with limited service possibly available
The following iPhones are now listed as vintage worldwide:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
Obsolete iPhones, with no further service support
The following iPhone models are now considered obsolete worldwide:
- iPhone (original)
- iPhone 3G
- iPhone 3GS
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 5C
- iPhone 5S
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s (in certain regions)
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
Source: UGC
Apple confirms models of iPads as vintage
The following iPads are now listed as vintage worldwide:
- iPad Air Cellular
- iPad Air Cellular (TD LTE)
- iPad Air 3, Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi
- iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch Wi-Fi
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad Pro 11-inch Wi-Fi
- iPad Pro 11-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) Wi-Fi
- iPad Pro 12.9 inch (3rd Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad Wi-Fi + 4G, CDMA
- iPad Wi-Fi + 4G, GSM
- iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi
- iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular.
Obsolete iPads, according to updated Apple list
The following iPad models are now considered obsolete worldwide:
- iPad Air Wi-Fi
- iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular (TD LTE)
- iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi
- iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad mini Wi-Fi, 16GB, Gray
- iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular, 16GB, Gray
- iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular, MM, 16GB, Gray
- iPad mini Wi-Fi
- iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM)
- iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi
- iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi + 4G, GSM + CDMA
- iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi
- iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular (TD-LTE)
- iPad [original]
- iPad 3G
- iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi
- iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (VZ)
- iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi
- iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM)
- iPad (5th generation) Wi-Fi
- iPad (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad Wi-Fi
- iPad Wi-Fi + 3G
- iPad Wi-Fi + 4G
- iPad Wi-Fi + 4G (Verizon)
- iPad 2 Wi-Fi
- iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G
- iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (Verizon)
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch Wi-Fi
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch Wi-Fi
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) Wi-Fi
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular.
Source: AFP
Apple noted that in France, owners of certain iPhones, Mac laptops, and iPads purchased after stated dates may obtain service and parts for up to seven years from when the product model was last supplied for distribution.
With these classifications, users of affected devices may no longer be able to access official repair services or replacement parts through Apple and its authorised providers.
This means customers with obsolete iPhones will need to seek third-party repair services or consider upgrading to newer models if their devices require maintenance or part replacements.
The update reflects Apple's long-standing policy of phasing out support for older hardware as newer technologies and software requirements evolve.
The practice allows the company to focus resources on supporting current and recent product lines while managing inventory and service capabilities.
Despite being classified as vintage or obsolete for hardware service purposes, many of these older iPhone models may still function for basic tasks, though they no longer receive the latest iOS software updates and security patches.
WhatsApp not working on some iPhones & Android
Earlier, YEN.com.gh also reported that WhatsApp discontinued support for several iPhone and Android models.
Owners of affected devices were advised to upgrade their smartphones to stay connected with friends and family.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
