Apple’s Latest Obsolete iPhone List You Should Not Miss
In late 2025, Apple revised its list of iPhones that are officially considered “obsolete,” meaning they will no longer receive hardware repairs, battery replacements, or other service at Apple Stores or authorized service providers. This update coincides with Apple’s broader device-cycle shift following the launch of the new iPhone 17 lineup.
Which iPhones Are Now “No Repair / Obsolete”
The recently updated list includes several older but once popular iPhone models, such as the original iPhone SE (2016), and certain variants of older devices in the 6s series.
According to Apple’s classification, once a device crosses roughly seven years since it was last sold, it becomes obsolete — at which point Apple stops supplying parts or offering Apple repair service.
What “No Repair / Obsolete” Really Means for Users
For owners of obsolete iPhones, official hardware support is gone. That means if the battery dies, the screen cracks, or another hardware issue arises, you won’t be able to rely on Apple or authorised centres for a fix.
Also, many of these devices no longer receive regular software updates or security patches. Running outdated iOS on unsupported hardware increases risk, including potential security vulnerabilities, performance slowdowns, and incompatibility with newer apps.
What If You Own a “Vintage” iPhone instead of an Obsolete
Apple uses a “vintage” classification for devices that are older (5 to 7 years since last sale) but not yet obsolete. For “vintage” models — such as many versions of the iPhone 8 series or iPhone 7 Plus — Apple may still offer repairs, but only as long as spare parts remain available.
That means repair availability can be hit-or-miss — over time, parts become rarer, reducing the chances of a successful official repair.
Should You Upgrade? What’s Recommended for 2026 and Beyond
If you’re using an iPhone on Apple’s “obsolete” list, it’s strongly advisable to consider upgrading soon. Security risks, lack of parts or repair, and absence of software updates mean the device may become increasingly unreliable or unsafe.
Even users of “vintage” devices should keep an eye on repair availability and part stock; if you rely heavily on your phone (banking, work, apps), moving to a newer supported device could save headaches later.
Final Thoughts: Know Before You Waste Time or Money
Apple’s updated no-repair list isn’t just about age: it reflects real limitations on support, safety, and functionality. If your iPhone is obsolete or vintage, don’t assume you can get it fixed when something goes wrong. And if you care about security and long-term reliability, upgrading sooner rather than later is the safer bet.
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