As of December 1, 2025, Apple has officially added five products to its “obsolete” list. This includes:
- The original iPhone SE (first generation)
- The second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro (last sold around 2017–2018)
- The Hermes and Nike versions of Apple Watch Series 4
- Also included on that list is a model of the Beats Pill 2.0 speaker.
Apple’s definition of “obsolete” is straightforward: once a product has not been sold for over seven years, it moves from “vintage” to “obsolete.” From that point, the company ceases all hardware service, and no new parts can be ordered for repairs.
Why These Devices, and Why Now
First-gen iPhone SE
- The original iPhone SE was discontinued in September 2018.
- That means by late 2025 it has crossed the seven-year threshold since distribution ended meeting the criteria for obsolescence. (
iPad Pro (12.9″ Second Gen)
- The 2nd-gen 12.9″ iPad Pro, which once delivered top-tier iPad performance, has similarly passed the period since it was last sold, prompting the re-classification.
Apple Watch Series 4 (Hermes / Nike Editions)
- While plain Series 4 models had already been categorized as “vintage” earlier in 2025, Apple now upgrades select editions (Hermes and Nike straps) to “obsolete.”
- This signals Apple’s stricter cutoff based on discontinuation dates rather than launch dates, meaning variant-specific treatment can vary depending on when a particular model was last sold.
What “Obsolete” Means And What It Means for Owners
- No more official service or repairs: Apple and its authorized service providers will no longer accept these devices for hardware repairs. Components (battery, screen, internal parts) will no longer be stocked or fabricated.
- No parts ordering possible: Repair shops even authorized ones cannot order replacement parts for obsolete devices. Once existing parts run out, repair options effectively vanish.
- Implications for resale, longevity & safety: If a crucial hardware issue arises (battery swelling, screen failure, water ingress, etc.), owners may be forced to resort to third-party repair shops (with uncertain quality), or retire the device altogether.
- No extended repair exceptions: Unlike certain Mac laptops, which sometimes get battery-only repairs for up to 10 years post-sale (depending on parts availability), these obsolete devices have no such grace period.
Once a device becomes “obsolete,” it’s officially end-of-life as far as Apple is concerned.
What This Says About Apple’s Lifecycle Policy
Apple’s device lifecycle classification works in two stages:
- Vintage: Products discontinued for more than 5 years but less than 7 years. Vintage devices may still get limited service, depending on parts availability.
- Obsolete: Products discontinued 7 or more years ago, with no official support, no parts, no hardware service, effectively marking the end of an “official lifespan.”
This recent update underscores that even relatively popular devices eventually lose official support, regardless of how well they function, a reminder that hardware support is tightly bound to Apple’s sales lifecycle, not the condition of the device.
Should You Worry Or Plan Ahead?
For owners of the affected devices:
- If it still works: You can probably keep using it as long as it meets your needs but treat it like a “legacy” device: don’t expect Apple-grade repairs, secure parts replacement, or long-term reliability.
- If you rely on hardware longevity: Now may be a good time to consider upgrading especially if battery health, waterproofing, or screen integrity matter.
- If you care about resale value or trade-in: Resale price might drop faster now that the device is formally obsolete buyers may be wary.
For potential buyers (if you’re shopping secondhand):
- Be cautious about buying these now-obsolete devices you may face difficulty repairing them.
- If you’re comfortable with limited/no official support, third-party refurbishers might still keep them alive but that comes with risk.
Apple’s December 2025 “obsolete” update officially signals the end of the road for iPhone SE (1st gen), 2nd-gen iPad Pro 12.9″, and certain Apple Watch Series 4 variants. For owners, this means no more official hardware support, a strong signal that it might be time to plan for replacement or accept limitations.
