Apple has officially added the 2017 MacBook Air and iPad mini 4 to its list of outdated and obsolete products.
Apple has just updated its list of discontinued devices, adding the 2017 MacBook Air to the list of obsolete products and designating the iPad mini 4 as obsolete globally.
Apple has just updated its list of older mobile and computer devices on its global customer support system. Notably, the 13-inch MacBook Air released in 2017 has been reclassified as "vintage." Meanwhile, all versions of the iPad mini 4 and Apple TV HD (32GB) are now officially considered "obsolete," marking the end of their hardware support lifecycle.
Differences in repairability between old and obsolete products.
According to Apple's policy, a device is considered "obsolete" when the company has stopped distributing and selling it for more than 5 years but not more than 7 years. For these products, users can still have repairs and component replacements done at Apple Stores or authorized Apple service providers. However, these repairs are not 100% guaranteed and depend entirely on the availability of replacement parts in stock.
Conversely, when a device reaches the 7-year mark since it ceased distribution, Apple moves it to the "obsolete" list. At this point, all official hardware services are terminated. Technicians at Apple Stores and authorized service centers no longer have the right to order replacement parts for these devices. The only exception is the battery in MacBooks, which may be eligible for replacement for up to 10 years, depending on the specific circumstances.
Details of the models affected in this update.
The 13-inch MacBook Air (2017) was the last MacBook Air model to retain its original design before Apple completely revamped the line with Retina displays in 2018. Its inclusion in the list of older models means users should check the condition of their machines and consider repairs early if any malfunctions occur, before parts become scarce.
As for the iPad mini 4, this tablet model was first released in 2015 and discontinued in 2019. Sharing the same fate of obsolescence is the 32GB version of the Apple TV HD. Although the Apple TV HD was released in 2015 and only discontinued in October 2022 to make way for the third-generation Apple TV 4K, currently only the 32GB variant is listed as completely discontinued.
Below is a summary of Apple's device support policy:
| Classify | Sales period | Hardware support capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage products | From 5 to 7 years | It can be repaired if parts are available. |
| Obsolete product | Over 7 years | Support has been discontinued entirely (except for MacBook batteries). |
Updating this list is an annual process by Apple based on product release and distribution timelines. For users who own an iPad mini 4 or a 2017 MacBook Air, this is a good time to consider upgrading to newer models such as the M-series MacBook Air or newer iPad models to ensure software stability and security.
