Apple has officially added three of its older Mac models to the obsolete products list, marking the end of official support and repair services for some once-popular laptops. Among the devices is the 11-inch MacBook Air, a compact favorite among students and travelers, as well as two mid-2017 MacBook Pro models.
This update underscores Apple’s routine practice of gradually retiring older hardware as the company transitions its product lineup toward newer, more powerful, and more energy-efficient machines.
The Macs Now Officially Obsolete
As of today, Apple has classified the following Macs as obsolete:
- MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, 4 Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
Once a device is deemed obsolete, it generally means Apple no longer provides hardware repairs or replacement parts through its Apple Stores or Authorized Service Providers. However, there is one exception: MacBooks may remain eligible for battery replacement services for up to 10 years after Apple stopped distributing the device — though this depends on parts availability.
Apple uses two key classifications for aging products: vintage and obsolete.
- A device is labeled vintage when five years have passed since Apple stopped selling it. Vintage devices are still eligible for repairs, provided the necessary parts remain in stock.
- A device is labeled obsolete once it has been seven years since Apple last distributed it for sale. At this point, official repair options typically end, as Apple focuses resources on supporting newer hardware.
This timeline helps Apple maintain efficiency in production and service logistics while encouraging customers to transition to newer devices that benefit from the latest hardware and software advancements.
The End of the 11-Inch MacBook Air Era
The 11-inch MacBook Air holds a special place in Apple’s history. Introduced as part of the Air family, it was designed for maximum portability without sacrificing too much performance. Its ultra-compact form factor and lightweight design made it a favorite among travelers, students, and professionals who prioritized mobility.
Apple officially discontinued the 11-inch MacBook Air after its October 2016 event, when it launched the first generation of the Touch Bar-equipped MacBook Pro models. However, the model likely remained available through select third-party resellers until around 2018, which explains why it only just now qualifies as obsolete.
With this update, Apple’s smallest MacBook officially bows out of the company’s service ecosystem. Today, the MacBook Air lineup is available in 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch models, offering more screen real estate, higher-resolution displays, and Apple Silicon performance.
What’s Next for Small-Screen MacBooks?
While Apple no longer sells a MacBook with an 11-inch display, rumors persist about the company experimenting with smaller form factors once again.
Recent industry speculation suggests Apple is working on a new 12.9-inch MacBook, reportedly powered by the same A18 Pro chip used in the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro. If true, this would mark the first time Apple reintroduces a sub-13-inch MacBook since the discontinuation of the 12-inch MacBook line in 2019.
Such a move could signal Apple’s intention to bridge the gap between ultra-portable laptops and high-performance tablets like the iPad Pro, potentially reshaping the company’s mobile computing strategy.
iPhone 8 Plus Models Move to Vintage Status
In addition to the Macs being declared obsolete, Apple has also updated its vintage products list, adding the iPhone 8 Plus models with 64GB and 256GB storage options.
The iPhone 8 Plus, along with the standard iPhone 8, was introduced in September 2017 alongside the groundbreaking iPhone X. These devices served as transitional models, retaining the classic iPhone design with bezels and a home button while incorporating wireless charging and other modern features.
Now considered vintage, the iPhone 8 Plus remains eligible for repairs but only for the next couple of years, and only if Apple or service providers have the necessary parts in stock. After that window closes, these devices will follow the same path as today’s Macs, officially entering the obsolete category.
What This Means for Users
For owners of these now-obsolete Macs or vintage iPhones, the immediate impact is primarily on service availability. While software support has likely already ended, the inability to receive hardware repairs could be a deciding factor for users considering an upgrade.
Battery replacements, where available, may extend the life of these devices temporarily, but without official parts or service options, maintaining them becomes increasingly challenging over time. Additionally, the lack of new macOS or iOS updates can leave older hardware vulnerable to security risks and incompatibilities with modern apps.
Apple’s decision to move the 11-inch MacBook Air and two 2017 MacBook Pro models to the obsolete list reflects its continuous hardware evolution strategy. As the company invests in devices built around Apple Silicon and explores new design directions, older Intel-based machines naturally transition out of active support.
Meanwhile, rumors of a new 12.9-inch MacBook highlight Apple’s awareness that some users still desire a truly portable Mac. Combined with its robust iPhone lineup and upcoming software releases, the company continues balancing innovation with long-term support ensuring that even as products retire, customers remain part of a carefully managed upgrade path.
