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Apple Adds Final 12-Inch MacBook, iPad 6, and Beats X to Its Obsolete Product List
By Drooid · · How we work
Apple Declares Three Products Obsolete
Apple announced that the 2017 12-inch MacBook, the 6th-generation iPad (Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular), and Beats X headphones are now classified as “obsolete” on its public vintage-and-obsolete list. The company’s policy marks a product as obsolete when seven years have passed since it was last sold to consumers or resellers, at which point Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers must cease hardware service and cannot order replacement parts.
Classification Rules for Vintage and Obsolete Devices
Apple maintains a tiered system: products that stopped selling five or more years ago become “vintage,” meaning limited parts may still be available for repair. Once a product reaches the seven-year threshold, it moves to the “obsolete” tier, ending eligibility for any servicing. Apple notes an exception for MacBook batteries, which may still be replaced for up to ten years after distribution ended, subject to parts availability.
Products Added to the Obsolete List
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017) – the last model of Apple’s 12-inch line, which was discontinued in 2019. Earlier 2015 and 2016 models were already listed as obsolete.
- iPad (6th generation) – both Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular variants are now obsolete.
- Beats X headphones – listed in multiple color options, including Burned Red, Defiant Black-Red, Deep Black, Pure White, and Sky Blue.
Owners of any of these devices will no longer be able to obtain repair services or parts through Apple’s official channels.
Impact on Consumers and the Market
The removal of service eligibility means that users must seek third-party repair options or replace the devices entirely. The 12-inch MacBook had a niche but loyal user base; its obsolescence underscores Apple’s shift away from sub-13-inch Intel-based laptops, as the company has not introduced a comparable Apple-silicon model. For iPad 6 and Beats X owners, the change similarly ends official support, potentially accelerating upgrades to newer hardware.
