Apple, one of the most innovative and stylish companies in the world, has recently revised its lists of Apple Vintage Products . Among those newly placed in the vintage list are all versions of the Apple Watch Series 4 and the 2019 15-inch MacBook Pro. These categorizations have major consequences for users especially when it comes to repair and availability of parts. In this paper, we look at the definitions of these classifications and the effects that they have on Apple users.
What are Apple Vintage Products?
Apple considers products to be vintage if they have been discontinued for longer than five years but fewer than seven. This status implies that though the product is no longer manufactured, it may possibly be serviceable for some repairs with the Apple authorized service centers. However, where the parts are available may be restricted by the region or the particular device.
Products that are not in the current stores for more than seven years are considered obsolete. These devices as a rule cease to receive any kind of service and parts support anywhere in the world, with only a handful of rare exceptions. For instance, Mac laptops can still be repaired batteries up to ten years from their last distribution date if parts are available.
Other newly added Apple Vintage Products
Apple has now deemed all versions of the Apple Watch Series 4 vintage. The Watch Series 4 was launched later in 2018 and brought major improvements, such as ECG and larger display sizes of 40mm and 44mm. However, this did not last long and Apple ceased operating system support for this model with the release of watchOS 11. This move also shows that Apple has been keen in trying to get its users to upgrade to newer models and at the same time disposing of the old ones.
Joining the Apple Vintage Products list is the Watch Series 4 and the 2019 15-inch MacBook Pro. This particular laptop was the last for the 15-inch MacBook Pro family before the company shifted to the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Still, this MacBook Pro model is not obsolete and it supports the macOS Sequoia, the latest version of Apple operating system, for those who prefer to keep their gadgets for a longer time.
Implications for Users
When an Apple vintage products is categorized as vintage, users can still get the repair services, though restricted, but with limitations. Unfortunately, spare parts for these vintage products are not produced anymore, and depend on stock availability. While supporting devices for more than five years in certain parts of the world, users may discover the process convenient. However, I have found that repairs may be longer or more expensive whenever parts become scarce in the market.
In the case of the obsolete products it is almost impossible to get the repairs through Apple’s channels. It also tends to leave users in a position where they have to seek services from a third party and most of them do not guarantee the part.
Apple Watch Series 4
Starting from the Apple Watch Series 4 launched in 2018, Apple introduced a bigger display and many new health-oriented features, including the ECG app, and comes in two materials, aluminum and stainless steel and two sizes – 40mm and 44mm. However, Apple never again supported the Series 4, for watchOS 11 and the features it included.
Currently, every model of the Apple Watch Series 4 is considered an Apple vintage products. This classification suggests that, though repairs may still be possible, spare parts are limited by the region and Apple’s partners. Users should also note that these products have been off the market for more than five years but less than seven years, after which they become considered obsolete.
2019 15-inch MacBook Pro
The 2019 15-inch MacBook Pro is considered to be the best model of this series as Apple has released the 16-inch MacBook Pro model only recently. Although it belongs to the vintage category, this MacBook Pro supports macOS Sequoia, which means that the user can get all new features of the operating system. It has a strong set of features and it was considered as one of the best laptops in terms of performance and looks when it was released.
Being a vintage hardware, the 2019 15-inch MacBook Pro can be serviced by the authorized providers but the spare parts will be a different story. Battery repair can still be done for up to 10 years depending on the available stock therefore is not a completely viable option for users that still use the device.
Explaining Why Apple Categorizes Its Products
Apple defines its vintage and obsolete products based on the last time the product was shipped for distribution rather than the time it was launched into the market. This approach helps in that there is a well defined time frame for when one can be eligible for the service. Apple can also eliminate the support for older devices in order to direct its resources towards newer devices, and improve performance.
The new addition of the Apple Watch Series 4 and the 2019 15-inch MacBook Pro to Apple vintage products show that the company is constantly changing. Though they may not be receiving full support in the market, having the ability to work at least with the software update is something that users will find useful. Its knowledge helps users make rational decisions regarding the maintenance and update of the device. It is beneficial for those who are using such products to act quickly in order to receive the necessary repairs or replacements in the future.
Source :: business-standard
