Apple recently announced that the 2018 Mac mini and iPhone 6s have been classified as vintage products, meaning these devices will no longer receive official repair or support services. This marks Apple’s move to consider these products as part of its phased-out lineup and includes them in the vintage product series management. According to Apple’s policy, any device that has been discontinued for over five years is labeled as vintage, affecting the availability of parts and support for repairs.
Mention iPhone 6s, and for many users, this device is nothing short of a classic. It introduced a range of groundbreaking technologies, including the 3D Touch display, allowing users to perform various actions based on different levels of pressure sensitivity—elevating the interactive experience to a whole new level. Additionally, it was the first Apple smartphone to feature a 12MP camera, delivering sharper image quality compared to the previous 8MP, and it also marked the debut of 4K video recording on iPhones, setting a new standard for mobile photography.
Additionally, the iPhone 6s marked the debut of the rose gold color, a stylish choice that quickly became a trend, particularly beloved by younger users. It also set a new direction for color options in subsequent iPhone models.
Apple defines vintage products as devices that have been discontinued for more than five years but less than seven years. During this period, users can still seek repair services through Apple-authorized repair centers, though this largely depends on the availability of parts. If certain critical components are no longer available, repairs may not be possible.
When a device has been discontinued for more than seven years, it will be classified as Elimination status, and Apple will completely cease offering any hardware repair services. Authorized service centers will also no longer be able to order related parts. For users with these vintage or obsolete devices, this means that if an issue arises, Apple will be unable to provide any repair support, even if the user is willing to pay the corresponding fee.
For users still utilizing the iPhone 6s or 2018 Mac mini, here are a few key points to keep in mind: Repairs are not guaranteed, as Apple no longer provides parts for these older devices, meaning repair services will depend on the availability of components. Additionally, these devices will stop receiving any software updates from Apple, including critical security updates. If you continue using them, you may face digital risks. Therefore, if your work relies heavily on these devices, it's advisable to consider upgrading to newer models before they are completely phased out to ensure a seamless experience and safeguard your data security.
