Apple Declares iPhone 5s Obsolete: What This Means for Users

Apple has recently made significant updates to its vintage and obsolete products list, impacting several older devices, including the once-popular iPhone 5s. This change reflects Apple’s policy of phasing out support for products that have not been sold for several years, a move that has implications for users still holding onto these devices.

iPhone 5s Joins the Obsolete List

As of now, the iPhone 5s is officially classified as “obsolete” on a global scale. This designation means that Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers will no longer offer repairs or hardware services for the device. Apple typically considers a product obsolete once it has been seven years since the last time the product was sold.

Released in September 2013, the iPhone 5s was a groundbreaking device at the time, introducing the Touch ID fingerprint sensor integrated into the Home button and Apple’s first 64-bit A7 chip. Despite its popularity and innovative features, the iPhone 5s has now reached the end of its support lifecycle.

Other Devices Affected

Alongside the iPhone 5s, Apple has also updated the status of the sixth-generation iPod touch and the late 2015 edition of the 21.5-inch iMac with a Retina 4K display. These devices are now considered “vintage,” meaning they are over five years old but can still receive repair services for up to two more years, contingent on parts availability.

Impact on Users

For users who upgrade their iPhones regularly, this update might seem inconsequential. However, for those who prefer to use their devices for extended periods, this announcement is significant. An obsolete designation means that once an iPhone 5s is damaged, it cannot be repaired by Apple or its authorized service providers, leaving users with limited options.

Apple’s Policy on Obsolete Products

Apple’s policy dictates that when an iPhone model reaches a decade in age, the company ceases production of its parts, making it impossible to replace or fix these devices through official channels. This practice extends beyond iPhones to other Apple products such as Apple Watches, iPads, and MacBooks.

According to a statement on Apple’s website, “Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products.” This policy underscores the company’s focus on encouraging users to adopt newer technology while phasing out support for older models.

The List of Obsolete iPhones

The iPhone 5s joins a growing list of obsolete iPhone models. Here is the full list:

• 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 5S
• iPhone 6 Plus

For iPhone 5s users, Apple’s latest announcement marks the end of an era. While the device brought many firsts to the smartphone market, it now joins the ranks of obsolete technology. Users are encouraged to consider upgrading to newer models to ensure continued support and access to the latest features and improvements.