Last April, the iPhone 6 Plus joined the Apple obsolete product list. This classification meant the final end of any official repair for this model released in 2014. Apple maintains a specific system to categorize its old devices according to their age.
The Californian firm classifies its products as “vintage” after five years of marketing stop, then “obsolete” after seven years. This progression determines the level of technical support available for each device.
Iconic models join the vintage list
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The iPhone 7 Plus has officially joined the category of Apple vintage products on May 21. This model launched in September 2016 had revolutionized mobile photography by offering the first double photo sensor of an iPhone. It allowed a 2x optical zoom and inaugurated the famous portrait mode for photos with professional background blur.
He had also marked a significant rupture by removing the traditional 3.5 mm jack port. This controversial decision at the time had accelerated the adoption of wireless headphones and transformed mobile audio industry.
The iPhone 8 (in version 64 GB and 256 GB) also joins this list. Marketed in September 2017, it is the first iPhone compatible with wireless recharge thanks to its glass back. His chip A11 Bionic also introduced the first artificial intelligence capacities on iPhone.
The consequences for current users
Do you still have one of these models? This new classification seriously complicate future repairs. Apple and its approved repairers can now refuse to intervene On these devices, with limited regional exceptions. Only Californian users still benefit from certain repair services.
The iPhone 7 Plus suffered as a reminder of the famous “Loop Disease”, a material defect affecting the audio circuit which made the device unusable for calls. A collective action had been settled in January 2024 with compensation between 49 and 350 dollars for the users concerned. Repair costs now often exceed the residual value of these devices.
This reality naturally pushes users to a renewal of their equipment, accelerating the replacement cycle wanted by Cupertino.
