Apple has officially marked the iPhone X and 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro as obsolete, ending all official repair services.
Apple has made a big announcement that directly affects millions of smartphone and computer owners around the world. The giant tech company updated its official repair lists, officially declaring the popular iPhone X and the 15-inch 2018 MacBook Pro model as obsolete devices.
This major change happened during an official update to Apple support pages. The decision means that if you own either of these two gadgets and they break down, you can no longer take them to an official Apple Store or an authorized repair technician to get them fixed using genuine factory parts.
This development comes as part of Apple’s long-standing company rule regarding old products. According to Apple guidelines, any gadget that has not been sold by the company for more than seven years automatically gets put on the obsolete list.
Before hitting this stage, devices spend time on what Apple calls a vintage list, which gives owners a brief warning window where repairs are still possible if spare parts happen to be sitting in stock. Since the iPhone X was officially pulled from store shelves back in late 2018, its seven-year timer has finally run out, moving it straight into full retirement status alongside the 2018 laptop model.
Tech journalists noted that “Once a product is added to Apple’s obsolete products list, it is no longer eligible for hardware service, and repair centers will no longer be able to obtain replacement parts.” This means official store technicians can no longer order screens, batteries, or interior boards for these items.
Explaining how software limits play into these aging machines, tech outlet MacRumors stated that “When an iPhone becomes obsolete, it is no longer eligible for repairs or other hardware service at Apple Stores or Apple Authorized Service Providers,” while also highlighting that “iOS 16 was the final major software version compatible with the iPhone X.”
See Also: Why Japanese Companies Are Being So Slow To Use Artificial Intelligence
For normal people who still rely on these devices, this move marks the end of an era. When the iPhone X first came out back in November 2017, it was a massive deal. It was built to celebrate ten years of iPhones, introducing the famous notch design, removing the home button, and giving users Face ID unlock technology along with a colorful OLED display. Meanwhile, the 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro introduced security features like the T2 chip alongside its sleek keyboard design.
If your iPhone X or 2018 laptop is still working fine right now, you do not need to panic or throw it away immediately. Your phone and computer will keep turning on and working just like they did yesterday. However, if your screen cracks or your battery stops holding a charge, official Apple channels will turn you away.
From this point forward, anyone who wants to keep using these models will have to visit independent repair shops that use second-hand or aftermarket parts. Owners must also remember that these older devices no longer receive new software upgrades, making them less secure against modern internet safety risks as time goes on.
