Apple declares new products obsolete

Apple has updated its obsolete products list, adding the 12-inch MacBook (2017), the 6th generation iPad, and BeatsX headphones. The company considers a product obsolete when seven years have passed since it was last available for sale, including to resellers. This means that users of these devices will no longer be able to access hardware services at Apple Stores or through authorized service providers.

The shift to obsolescence means that Apple will no longer provide parts for these products, making repairs difficult. However, there is an exception for MacBooks, which may still be eligible for battery replacements for up to ten years after distribution ceased, depending on part availability.

The discontinuation of the 12-inch MacBook occurred in 2019, and since then, Apple has not released a sub-13-inch MacBook model that uses its Apple silicon architecture. This highlights Apple's transition towards its own chips, leaving behind older models that still operated on Intel.

This move by Apple can be seen as part of its strategy to encourage users to upgrade to new devices, as support for older products tends to diminish over time. For users still holding onto these devices, it serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of technology and the importance of considering periodic upgrades.

For those still using these devices, it may be advisable to evaluate if their performance remains adequate or if it's time to consider a replacement, as official support will no longer be available.