If you’ve been hanging on to your older iPhones, iPads, Mac laptops, or even Apple Watch and Apple TV devices to avoid shelling out the big bucks for the latest versions, you may be running out of time.
Apple just announced that millions of its products will be classified as “obsolete.” While the name itself is nothing new, Apple has added several older models of its products into these categories.
What does Apple mean by “obsolete”?
When Apple products become obsolete, it means the tech giant will no longer support repairs or send iOS security updates to those devices.
Of course, this leaves your Apple product vulnerable to malware, because if your product doesn’t have the latest security updates (which are sent to iPhones at a seemingly constant pace), then customers have no way to protect themselves from cyberscammers exploiting security holes.
When you fall into the trap, these scammers gain access to your iPhone and may steal funds from your bank account and gain access to other accounts.
RELATED: New Study Shows Average iPhone Age Is Older Than You Think
According to Apple, “A product was considered obsolete when Apple stopped distributing it for sale more than seven years ago. Monster-branded Beats products are considered obsolete regardless of when they were purchased.”
Apple is also “ending all hardware service on obsolete products, and service providers are unable to order parts for obsolete products. Mac laptops may be eligible for battery-only repairs for up to 10 years from the date the product was last sold, subject to parts availability.”
Is your iPhone on the list?
Apple considers the following iPhones obsolete:
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iPhone 3G (Mainland China) 8GB
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iPhone 3GS (Mainland China) 16GB, 32GB
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iPhone 4 GSM (8GB), black
The latest products announced this week include the iPhone 6 series and the original iPhone SE. The latter is a plastic-backed “cheap” iPhone first launched in 2016. Apple released three iterations of the series before discontinuing production.
Likewise, Apple has a list of products it considers “vintage,” meaning they can still receive updates, and repair parts are often available but hard to find.
RELATED: Apple makes big move for mobile wallet
Apple thinks these iPhones are retro:
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iPhone 6s (16GB, 64GB, 128GB)
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iPhone 8 (64GB, 128GB, 256GB)
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iPhone 8 Plus (64GB, 256GB)
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iPhone 8 Plus (Product)RED™
Mac laptops and desktops are also listed
Apple’s list of outdated Mac laptops and desktops is staggering. The list also includes external products for Mac laptops and desktops, including Apple’s wireless keyboards, base stations, studio monitors, geo ports, and more.
Apple iPad considered obsolete:
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iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular
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iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular (TD LTE)
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iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular
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iPad mini Wi-Fi, 16GB, gray
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iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular, 16GB, Gray
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iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular, MM, 16GB, Gray
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iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular
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iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM)
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iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi + 4G, GSM + CDMA
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iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular
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iPad mini 3 wireless network + cellular network (TD-LTE)
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iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi
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iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
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iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (VZ)
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iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi
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iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
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iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM)
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iPad (5th generation) Wi-Fi
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iPad (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
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iPad Wi-Fi + 4G (Verizon)
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iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (Verizon)
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iPad Pro 9.7-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular
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iPad Pro 12.9-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular
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iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) Wi-Fi
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iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
Apple considers these watches obsolete
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Apple Watch (1st generation), 38 mm
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Apple Watch (1st generation), 42mm
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Apple Watch Edition (1st generation), 38mm
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Apple Watch Edition (1st generation), 42mm
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Apple Watch Hermes (1st generation), 38mm
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Apple Watch Hermes (1st generation), 42mm
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Apple Watch Series 1, aluminum (2nd generation), 38mm
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Apple Watch Series 1, aluminum (2nd generation), 42mm
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Apple Watch Series 2, aluminum (2nd generation), 38mm
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Apple Watch Series 2, aluminum (2nd generation), 42mm
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Apple Watch Series 2, stainless steel (2nd generation), 38mm
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Apple Watch Series 2, stainless steel (2nd generation), 42mm
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Apple Watch Series 4, Hermes (4th generation), 40mm
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Apple Watch Series 4, Hermes (4th generation), 44 mm
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Apple Watch Series 4, Nike (4th Gen), 40mm
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Apple Watch Series 4, Nike (4th gen), 44mm
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Apple Watch Sport (1st generation), 38mm
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Apple Watch Sport (1st generation), 42mm
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Apple Watch Stainless Steel (1st Gen), 38mm
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Apple Watch Stainless Steel (1st Gen), 42mm
This article was originally published by Men’s Journal on December 4, 2025, and first appeared in the News section. Click here to add Men’s Diary as your go-to source.
