Apple has recently revised its inventory of vintage and obsolete products, officially categorizing several older devices including the 13-inch MacBook Air from 2017, iPad Mini 4, and Apple TV HD (32GB). This classification impacts the servicing options available at authorized stores, with some items eligible for limited service while others are no longer supported at all.

MacBook Air (2017) Receives Vintage Status

The 13-inch MacBook Air, originally released in 2017, has now been designated as a “vintage” product. This classification permits repair services at Apple Stores and authorized service providers as long as replacement parts are accessible. The significance of the 2017 model lies in its role as the last MacBook Air released prior to the redesign featuring a Retina display introduced in 2018.

iPad Mini 4 and Apple TV HD Declared Obsolete

In conjunction with the vintage status of the MacBook Air, the iPad Mini 4 and the 32GB variant of Apple TV HD have been classified as obsolete. Devices in this category are no longer eligible for repair or servicing through Apple’s official channels. The iPad Mini 4 was launched in 2015 and was discontinued in 2019, while the Apple TV HD was introduced in the same year but later discontinued in October 2022 after the introduction of the third-generation Apple TV 4K. It is noteworthy that only the 32GB variant of the Apple TV HD has been marked as obsolete thus far.

Classification Criteria for Vintage and Obsolete Devices

According to Apple’s guidelines, a product reaches vintage status when it has been more than five years since its discontinuation. If the timeline extends beyond seven years, the product is classified as obsolete. Apple periodically updates its lists and recently categorized the fourteen-year-old iPhone 4 as obsolete. Launched in 2011 and discontinued in 2013, the iPhone 4 was a significant part of Apple’s early smartphone success.

Other Devices Transitioned to Obsolete Status

Moreover, Apple moved the iPhone 5 to the obsolete category last month. Initially launched in 2012 and discontinued the following year, it was earlier placed on the vintage list in 2018 before the company ceased all service support. This transition reflects Apple’s strategy to phase out older models in line with evolving technology and customer needs.

Specifications of the 13-inch MacBook Air (2017)

The 13-inch MacBook Air (2017) is recognized for its lightweight design, weighing approximately 1.35 kg, and boasts up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge. The device features a 13.3-inch display and is powered by a 5th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, complemented by 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM and up to 512GB of SSD storage. Additionally, the laptop is equipped with Intel HD Graphics 6000 and operates on the macOS platform. It includes a full-size backlit keyboard, a multi-touch trackpad, and stereo speakers for enhanced audio experience.

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