iPhone model now considered 'obsolete' by Apple, potentially limiting repairability options for users.
The iPhone XS, Now Vintage - What Does It Mean?
Hello folks! Breaking down the recent tech news, we've got the iPhone XS earning a new distinction from Apple - it's become officially "vintage." Let's delve into what this means for you and your beloved XS.
The iPhone XS, much like your old favorite leather jacket, has joined the retro realm now that it's been more than five years since Apple last sold it. While they stopped selling the XS in 2019, other retailers kept the flame going, resulting in the XS being declared vintage seven years after its launch. You might recall that the iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR, also launched in 2018, were already part of the vintage list.
Now that the iPhone XS is vintage, what's changed?
A Retro Badge and Its Implications
Being labeled vintage doesn't render the iPhone XS unusable. However, it means that repairs may become increasingly difficult as parts availability dwindles, though Apple Stores and authorized service providers can still offer repairs if they have the necessary components.
As for software, the iPhone XS can still receive security updates to protect your device, but keep in mind that major updates like iOS 26 may not be an option anymore. In two years, the iPhone XS will officially move into "obsolete" territory, at which point Apple will no longer offer any repair services.
If you're considering an upgrade, check out our favorite iPhones to get some guidance on what could suit you best right now. For those of you eyeing the latest models, stay tuned for rumors about the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max as we wait for their expected September launch.
Dive Deeper - iPhone Services and Support
To shed more light on the implications of vintage status, let's examine the key services and support available:
- Repairs:
- Stock-Permitting: Repairs are possible as long as parts remain in stock.
- No Guarantees: With the move to vintage status, there's no guarantee for future repair availability as parts may become increasingly scarce.
- Service Providers:
- Limited Scope: Authorized providers may still service vintage devices, but the struggle to source parts could mean that certain repairs simply can't be done.
- Transition to "Obsolete":
- End of Support: Two years after being declared vintage, the device is declared "obsolete," and all support ceases.
- Impact on Users: Users can no longer get official parts or repairs from Apple or its authorized providers.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, you can continue using your iPhone XS, but official support and repairs will likely become more limited. Repairs may be impossible as parts stock dries up, and approaching two years since the vintage declaration marks a transition into "obsolete" territory, at which point all official hardware support from Apple ends.
The iPhone XS, now labeled as vintage, has joined the ranks of retro gadgets, including smartphones such as the iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR, all launched in 2018. As a result of its vintage status, repairs for the iPhone XS may still be possible, but the availability of parts may become increasingly scarce and repairs might not be guaranteed in the future.
