As time marches onward, Apple sometimes classifies some of its older devices and accessories as ‘vintage’ or ‘obsolete.’
Apple maintains a dedicated web page specifically for the purpose of detailing which of its devices and accessories the company considers to meet the criteria of such a classification, and on Monday, the company added three new items to its ‘vintage’ list.
Joining that list are Apple’s iPhone X, first-generation AirPods, and first-generation HomePod. All three of these devices helped pioneer new eras that would help steer the company’s trajectory, and now that they’re considered ‘vintage,’ this means first-party repair parts will eventually cease to exist once they’re all used up.
The iPhone X was a revolutionary product of its time. It was the first of Apple’s iPhones to introduce the notch and an edge-to-edge OLED display, a radical design departure from the Home Button-based iPhones that many of us barely even remember using since the new gesture-based user experience with Face ID authentication took over. To say that the iPhone helped shape what the iPhone is today would be a gross understatement.
Likewise, the original AirPods changed everything. I remember getting these when they first launched and being absolutely amazed by the easy Bluetooth pairing experience, ease of use, and sound quality. The battery case was also a great touch, as it allowed AirPods to last almost an entire day of use before needing to be hooked up to power again.
And lastly, the original HomePod changed how we interact with entertainment devices in the home. In addition to being a quick and easy way to ask Siri to play music from a smart speaker, the HomePod also worked as a smart home hub, making it easier than ever control smart home accessories with the sound of your voice.
Apple’s ‘vintage’ list can be thought of as a stopgap before becoming ‘obsolete.’ Devices become obsolete seven years after first offering them for sale. Once a device becomes obsolete, Apple no longer provides first-party repair parts and services for it, leaving users to fend for themselves in the aftermarket.
For jailbreakers, the iPhone X is something of a hot commodity. It’s the newest checkm8 hardware-based bootrom exploit-vulnerable iPhone that can be jailbroken on virtually any firmware as a result. That said, if your iPhone X needs any repairs, such as a new screen or battery, it might be a good idea to get those parts replaced soon, before part supplies dry up.
For me, it’s surreal to see the iPhone X on Apple’s vintage list. While I know that it’s an old iPhone by today’s standards, it still feels like it was only yesterday that Apple ditched the Home Button and Touch ID sensor for the modern Face ID system.
What are your thoughts about these devices making it onto Apple’s ‘vintage’ list? Let us know in the comments section down below.