Apple products are known for their quality, innovation, and longevity. However, like all technology, there comes a point when even the most reliable devices reach their end of life (EOL) or are discontinued entirely. This can have significant implications, particularly for businesses relying on these devices for daily operations.
In this blog, we’ll explain what “end of life” and “discontinued” mean, how these stages impact your business or personal use, and which Apple products have already reached these milestones.
What Does “End of Life” Mean for Apple Products?
When an Apple product reaches its end of life, Apple no longer provides software updates, security patches, or technical support for that device. These products are classified as either vintage (5-7 years after the last time they were sold) or obsolete (over 7 years since being sold). Here’s what that means for you:
- No more updates – The device will no longer receive operating system updates, meaning you’ll miss out on the latest features and bug fixes.
- Security vulnerabilities – EOL devices won’t receive security updates, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats.
- No technical support – Apple and authorised service providers will no longer offer repairs or assistance for obsolete devices. Vintage products may still receive support in certain regions.
- Compatibility issues – As time goes on, your device may become incompatible with newer software, apps, or accessories.
What About Discontinued Apple Products?
A discontinued product is one that Apple has stopped producing and selling but is still supported in terms of updates and repairs, at least for a few years. Over time, many discontinued products transition into end of life, meaning they lose all forms of support.
Discontinued products are still functional but signal that the company is moving on to newer technologies. For example, the iMac Pro, discontinued in 2021, is still supported for now but will eventually reach its EOL, leaving users needing to transition to newer models like the current iMac or Mac Studio.
Implications for Businesses
For businesses, using devices that have reached end of life or are discontinued can pose serious challenges, particularly around security. Without regular patches, these devices can become a weak link in your network, increasing the risk of cyberattacks. Additionally, outdated devices may cause productivity bottlenecks by not running the latest applications smoothly or integrating with newer systems.
It’s important to have a proactive strategy to replace these devices before they hinder operations or compromise security. Discontinued products can serve as a red flag, signalling it’s time to plan for upgrades.
Apple Products That Have Reached End of Life
Here are some notable Apple products that have already reached EOL status, meaning they no longer receive updates or official support:
- iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus – Released in 2014, these models are marked as vintage and no longer receive updates.
- MacBook Air (2013, 2014) – Both the 11-inch and 13-inch versions from these years are now obsolete.
- iPad Mini (1st generation) – Released in 2012, the original iPad Mini is now classified as obsolete.
- iPod Touch (5th generation) – Released in 2012, the 5th-gen iPod Touch is no longer supported and obsolete.
- MacBook Pro (2012, 2013) – Retina models from this era have now reached vintage or obsolete status.
- Apple Watch (1st generation) – Released in 2015, the original Apple Watch is now vintage and no longer receives updates.
Recently Discontinued Apple Products
While not yet at EOL, these recently discontinued products are important to keep an eye on as they’ll eventually transition to end of life:
- iMac Pro – Discontinued in 2021, the iMac Pro is no longer available, with Apple now focusing on the regular iMac and Mac Studio lines.
- HomePod (Original) – The original HomePod was discontinued in 2021, with Apple directing users toward the HomePod Mini.
- iPhone 12 Mini – While not officially discontinued, Apple no longer sells the iPhone 12 Mini on its website, making it likely to be phased out soon.
- iPod Touch (7th generation) – In 2022, Apple officially discontinued the iPod Touch, marking the end of the iconic iPod line.
Although these products are still supported for the time being, businesses and individual users should begin planning for future upgrades as support may phase out in the coming years.
Planning for the Future: What Should You Do?
If you’re using Apple devices that are nearing end of life or have been discontinued, it’s time to start planning for a transition. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Identify EOL or discontinued devices – Conduct a hardware audit to identify devices that may be obsolete or nearing their end.
- Plan upgrades – Replace outdated or discontinued devices with newer models that will continue receiving support and updates.
- Backup data – Before replacing devices, ensure all important data is backed up to avoid any potential loss.
- Consider recycling – Apple offers recycling programs to help you dispose of old devices in an environmentally friendly way.
- Work with a trusted IT partner – If you rely on Apple products extensively, working with an IT service provider can help ensure smooth transitions to supported devices.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a business or a personal user, it’s important to stay on top of which Apple products are reaching end of life or have been discontinued. Continuing to use these devices without proper support could expose you to security vulnerabilities and affect your overall productivity.
If you’re unsure how to handle discontinued or EOL products, get in touch with us. Our team can help you assess your hardware and guide you through the process of upgrading to supported, secure devices.
