Apple has officially declared two more iPhone models obsolete. Specifically, this affects the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 5. This means the company's official hardware support for these devices ends worldwide.
The classification is part of Apple's long-term support strategy for older products. Internal lists determine how long devices can still be repaired and when support finally ends.
Apple's system for older devices
Apple generally distinguishes between two categories for older devices: vintage and obsolete. Typically, Apple classifies a product as vintage about five years after it ceases to be sold. Devices in this category can still be repaired, but only as long as spare parts are still available.
This classification is often an indication that repairs could become more difficult over time because spare parts are becoming increasingly scarce.
After a further period, the next step usually follows. Around seven years after the last sale, Apple typically classifies a product as obsolete. From this point on, the company discontinues all hardware support.
iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 are now officially obsolete
This is exactly what has now happened. Apple has added the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 to its list of obsolete products worldwide.
For both devices, this means that Apple and authorized service partners will no longer offer repairs. Spare parts will also no longer be available.
Differences in the status of the models
This step was already foreseeable with the iPhone 5. The device was previously on Apple's vintage list and has now been officially classified as obsolete.
The situation was somewhat more complex with the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 GSM (8 GB), Black was already considered outdated, while the iPhone 4 (8 GB) was still classified as a vintage model.
Apple has now removed this model from the vintage list and updated its list of obsolete products accordingly.
Apple is permanently ending support for iPhone 4 and iPhone 5
With this new classification, Apple's official support for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 ends completely. Both models are therefore permanently removed from the company's hardware service.
The decision follows Apple's usual product policy: Devices are initially classified as vintage and then, approximately seven years after their last sale, as obsolete. Repairs through Apple or authorized partners are no longer possible after that point. (Image: Daydream / DepositPhotos.com)
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