When your phone’s maker declares it ‘obsolete’, you know it’s time to upgrade.
That is exactly what has occurred to millions of iPhone owners, with Apple announcing that another specific model will be added to its ever-growing pile of ignored technology.
And it is a move that has been implemented globally.
So, regardless of where you live – the United States, the United Kingdom, China, or elsewhere – the phone has a very limited shelf life left.
This means that 14 of Apple’s iPhones are now ‘obsolete’.
What does it imply when Apple says a product is ‘obsolete’?
If Apple declares a piece of technology to be “obsolete,” those who own it have few options if things stop working.
This means that the Apple Store and Apple Authorized Service Providers will no longer provide repairs or other hardware services for the device in question.
A product usually becomes obsolete with Apple after a period of seven years since the phone was last officially sold by Apple.
Which phone has become obsolete?
Look away, iPhone 6 Plus owners. Your phone has been added to the list of products that no longer receive direct support from Apple.
The phone was released in September 2014 as an upgraded version of the iPhone 6, equipped with a larger screen and Apple Pay.
Apple hasn’t marketed the iPhone 6 Plus since 2016, but it remains a popular low-cost cellphone around the world thanks to resellers. Even today, you can buy the phone for roughly £80.
The last iOS update for the iPhone 6 Plus came in 2019, so expect no more patches to fix important security issues.
In addition to the iPhone 6 Plus, the iPad Mini 4 has been designated as ‘old’ and discarded.
Vintage differs slightly, with customers who own such devices still receiving two years of official Apple service. However, it serves as a warning that support will not be available indefinitely, and many may consider upgrading as a result.
The irony of the iPhone 6 Plus is that its predecessor, the iPhone 6, continues to receive active support, as official sales of the phone did not end until after the Plus model.
What does Apple say on its obsolete products?
“Products are considered obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than seven years ago,” the Apple website says.
“Monster-branded Beats products are considered obsolete regardless of when they were purchased.
“Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products.
