Recently Apple announced that another block of older Mac computers are now ‘Vintage Macs’. In this article, we explain which Apple computers are now in the Vintage category and why it matters to Mac owners.
On Tuesday 12th May 2020 Apple announced that the following macOS computers are now designated as vintage…
MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2013)
MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2013)
MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2014)
MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2014)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2014)
My Mac Computer Is Not On This List - Is It Obsolete?
If it predates the computers it probably is but there is a way to check. Like Avid’s End Of Life page, Apple has a page listing all their vintage and obsolete devices.
You can still get hardware help if your old MacBook is acting up but only if the Apple store or authorized repair service has the parts in stock. The exact phrases used by Apple on whether your laptop can be serviced is "subject to availability of inventory, or as required by law."
What Is The Difference Between Vintage And Obsolete?
Vintage products are those that have not been sold for more than 5 and less than 7 years ago. Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple TV vintage products continue to receive hardware service from Apple service providers, including Apple Retail Stores, subject to availability of inventory, or as required by law.
Obsolete products are those whose sales were discontinued more than 7 years ago. Monster-branded Beats products are considered obsolete regardless of when they were purchased. Apple has discontinued all hardware service for obsolete products, with no exceptions. Service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products.
What Does It Mean To Me When Apple Designate A Computer As Vintage?
The simpler answer is that if you own a vintage Mac computer, you can still take it to an Apple Store (or an authorised third-party outlet) for repair, but they can no longer guarantee that they will be able to service it. If they no longer have the parts in stock then they do not have to repair it. The phrases Apple uses are ‘subject to availability of inventory’ or ‘as required by law’ and that law changes from territory to territory.
At the time of writing, in theory, both my 2012 MacBook Pro 15 inch laptop and my 2012 Mac Pro 5,1 cheese-grater should be in the obsolete list, as they are more than 7 years old, but they are still currently in the Vintage list, which means they will still repair it if they have the parts.
We would recommend that if you re looking to buy a secondhand or refurbished older Apple Mac computer than you do check Apple’s Vintage and Obsolete list as it will have a bearing on whether spending, say a $1000, for a refurb MacBook Pro is still a worthwhile investment.