Apple has declared the fourth-generation iPad mini, 2017 MacBook Air, and Apple TV HD officially obsolete, and repairs for the devices will no longer be offered.
The predecessor of the current Apple TV 4K was the Apple TV fourth generation, which launched more than a decade ago, in 2015. The same year saw the debut of the fourth-generation iPad mini, which offered performance improvements in a somewhat thinner chassis, with a laminated display.
Both of these devices, in addition to the 2017 13-inch MacBook Air, have made their way to Apple's "obsolete" products list. This means that none of them are eligible for repairs from Apple, and the iPhone maker will no longer provide parts for them, either.
Apple considers a device "vintage" when it stopped distributing the product for sale more than five years ago, and less than seven years ago. Once a device hasn't been sold new for more than seven years, it's classified as "obsolete."
The company provides service and parts for vintage products for up to seven years, assuming the necessary parts are available. Obsolete products, however, cannot be repaired or serviced by Apple.
Users who still own a 2017 MacBook Air, a fourth-generation iPad mini, or a fourth generation Apple TV will have to rely on third-party repair shops from now on. Even so, the devices are likely not cost effective to repair in 2026.
While most of these devices won't receive software updates, the 2017 MacBook Air still can be updated to macOS Sequoia via the OpenCore Legacy Patcher. In essence, it's still possible to extend the life of your MacBook Air, even if by unofficial means.
