Apple Adds Trash Can Mac Pro, AirPorts, and More to Vintage and Obsolete Products List
Apple Adds Several Devices to its Vintage and Obsolete Products List
Apple recently updated its list of vintage and obsolete products, a significant move impacting the availability of repairs and support for several devices. This update includes a range of Macs, iPads, iPhones, and accessories, marking the end of an era for some popular products.
The 2013 Mac Pro Enters the Vintage Stage
One of the most notable additions to the vintage list is the infamous 2013 "Trash Can" Mac Pro. This iconic, yet controversial, machine, 
, joins the list twelve years after its initial release. While most products reach vintage status much sooner, the 2013 Mac Pro's unusually long lifespan delayed its addition.
A product is officially designated "vintage" five years after Apple stops selling it. The Trash Can Mac Pro wasn't discontinued until December 2019, with the release of the redesigned "Cheese Grater" Mac Pro. This long sales cycle is a key reason why it's only now being added to the vintage list.
The 2013 Mac Pro was a significant talking point in Apple's history. It's even associated with Phil Schiller's now-famous quote, "Can't innovate anymore, my ass," a comment that proved ironic considering the Mac Pro's ultimately unsustainable design.
The radical cylindrical design, significantly smaller than its predecessor, ultimately failed to meet the needs of professional users. The lack of upgradability, particularly concerning GPUs, proved a major drawback. As GPUs grew in size, power consumption, and thermal requirements, the 2013 Mac Pro's limitations became increasingly apparent. Apple's inability to release a new version due to inherent design flaws led to an admission of failure in 2017, with Apple hardware chief Craig Federighi stating, "I think we designed ourselves into a bit of a thermal corner."
Other Notable Additions to the Vintage List
Beyond the 2013 Mac Pro, several other devices have joined the vintage list. These include:
- 2019 13-inch MacBook Air
- 2019 iMac
- 2018 11-inch iPad Pro
- 2018 third-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro
- 128GB iPhone 8 (joining the previously added 64GB and 256GB models – see details here)
The longer sales period for the 128GB iPhone 8 explains its delayed inclusion compared to the other variants.
From Vintage to Obsolete
This update also saw several devices transition from the vintage list to the obsolete list. This transition occurs two years after a product is deemed vintage. Apple considers products obsolete seven years after their last sale.
The following devices have moved to the obsolete category:
- Second-generation AirPort Express
- 2TB and 3TB AirPort Time Capsules
- 802.11ac AirPort Extreme
What Does This Mean for Repairs?
The vintage and obsolete classifications have significant implications for repairs. For vintage products, Apple retail stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) may still offer repairs, provided the necessary parts are available. If parts become unavailable, repairs will no longer be possible.
Obsolete products, however, are no longer eligible for repair through official Apple channels. Apple will not supply parts for these devices. It’s important to note that some Mac laptops have a battery-only repair period that extends up to 10 years from their last sale date, but this is always subject to parts availability.
Conclusion
Apple's updated vintage and obsolete product list serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of technology. While it marks the end of official support for these specific devices, it also provides valuable insight into Apple's product lifecycle and its commitment (or lack thereof) to long-term support for certain product lines. The addition of the 2013 Mac Pro underscores the impact of design choices on a product’s longevity and ultimately, its place in the annals of Apple history.
This article, "Apple Adds Trash Can Mac Pro, AirPorts, and More to Vintage and Obsolete Products List" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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