It’s a sad day to own an old iPhone as Apple has identified its next so-called “vintage” product, meaning that the obsolete model won’t be fixed should it meet an untimely demise.
With the new iPhone 16 now just months away, Apple is gearing up to unveil a glowing set of new features including the long-awaited artificial intelligence assistant. As such, the California-based tech company is cutting back its catalog of models in a move that will surely annoy some Americans.
Apple has a new vintage iPhone
As each new generation of the iPhone rolls around, former golden children are axed from the catalog and designated as vintage models.
Such phones are usually around six years old, with Apple not selling them for at least five years before their relegation. Such vintage phones include the iPhone 4, the iPhone 6s Plus, the iPhone SE, and the iPhone 8 Plus Red.
After seven years out of the loop, that vintage label is replaced by obsolete, as seen with the iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5C, and iPhone 3GS.
“Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products,” Apple said.
In a recent report from MacRumors, it was revealed that Apple had knocked the iPhone 5S into the obsolete column after being released in September 2013.
Time for an upgrade
If you’re one of the unlucky few still using the obsolete iPhone 5S, then it might be time to invest in a new device. Thankfully, there has never been a better time as Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference is just around the corner.
During the event, which is also said to be ground zero for the iPhone 16’s button change, customers are expected to learn more about the AI emoji generation that was leaked last week.
“The company is developing software that can create custom emojis on the fly, based on what users are texting,” said Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. “That means you’ll suddenly have an all-new emoji for any occasion, beyond the catalog of options that Apple currently offers on the iPhone and other devices.”
