It was already announced by a rumor at the beginning of January – Apple has now officially expanded the vintage list to include two iMac models, among others.
An internal document was leaked to the US website MacRumors at the beginning of January. According to it, Apple would discontinue two iMacs on January 30th. Now the case has happened. The 21.5" and 27" iMac models from 2012 are affected. As soon as Apple devices are listed as "obsolete" or "discontinued", support ends.
Other devices from 2012 obsolete
In addition to the two iMac models, other 2012 products were phased out. These include the Mac Pro (2012), MacBook Air 11" and 13" from mid-2012 and the MacBook Pro mid-2012 without Retina display. Apple has also put two MacBook Pro devices with Retina display from mid-2012 on the list.
What does this mean for users?
This means that users can no longer get repairs from Apple or authorized service providers. In the event of a problem, they have to resort to independent service providers. Apart from a few exceptions, Apple's rule of thumb is to produce spare parts for devices for five years - but this period only starts when production of the respective device is discontinued. Only then is the customer forced to look for spare parts elsewhere.
repair program for vintage devices
Perhaps Apple will show mercy and include the affected iMac models in its repair program for vintage devices. This is a pilot program with restrictions.
If the Apple Store or service provider does not have a particular component, the repair cannot be carried out. The iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, MacBook Air (11-inch and 13-inch, mid-2012), MacBook Pro 15″ (mid-2012) and iMac (21.5 and 27-inch, mid-2011 - USA and Turkey only) are currently supported by this program. It is expected to last until around 2020.
