Get your iPhone XS Max or iPhone 6s Plus repaired while you still can

By Malcolm Owen

The iPhone XS Max and the iPhone 6s Plus are now classed as "vintage" hardware by Apple, while the Apple Watch Series 2 has been deemed "obsolete."

iPhone XS Max

Apple has a policy of listing products as being vintage or obsolete after they have been on the market for a long time. In a November 15 update to the support page, some iPhone and Apple Watch variants have seen a change in status.

The iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus are now added to the vintage list. They are listed alongside other models, including the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus Red, and the original iPhone SE.

On the Apple Watch side, the Apple Watch Series 2 in Stainless Steel and Aluminum, in both sizes, are now classed as obsolete. Still on the vintage list is the Apple Watch Series 1 in Aluminum.

The designation of vintage and obsolete have specific meanings to Apple, at least when it comes to support.

After Apple has stopped distributing a product for five years, it is considered vintage. Once it passes seven years, it's considered obsolete.

Apple allows for service and parts to be obtained from Apple service providers for a minimum of five years past Apple's last distribution of the product. Service and parts can still be available, and by some laws for up to seven years.

A vintage product isn't typically serviced as easily as non-vintage items, but it becomes harder to source parts and to adequately service it. Obsolete products are not eligible for hardware servicing, with the exception of MacBook battery-only repairs for up to 10 years after last distribution in some cases.