Earlier this week, Apple updated its list of “vintage” and “obsolete” products. The vintage category now includes the original HomePod, the iPhone X, and the first-generation AirPods earbuds. But what does that actually mean?
Apple typically classifies products as “vintage” when they haven’t been sold for five years or more. Products become “obsolete” after seven years, though sometimes that happens regardless of the time period: all Monster-branded Beats products are obsolete no matter when they were last sold.
These ratings are important because they will eventually affect your ability to repair damaged or defective products. They are often an indication that Apple will stop offering software or firmware updates if it hasn't already.
What does it mean that OG AirPods are “vintage” now?
The term “vintage” means that the clock has started ticking on hardware repairs: Apple and other vendors will continue to offer service and repair options for another two years, as long as parts are available. After two years, it will become increasingly difficult to get parts for your product.
Of course, by this point, if you had AppleCare on your AirPods, it's long since expired, so even if replacements are available, the cost of repairs might not be worth it. Given the price of the best budget earbuds these days, you're probably better off just buying a newer, smarter, better-sounding pair.
For first-, second-, or third-generation AirPods, exchanging a damaged earbud currently costs $69 in the US; Apple doesn't offer an exchange for first-generation AirPods in the UK, but the fee for a damaged second- or third-generation exchange is £69.
What should I do with my old Apple hardware?
In the short term, you don’t need to do anything — just keep using it as normal. But expect OS updates to stop in the not-too-distant future. Apple is still offering updates for first-generation AirPods and HomePods (it released firmware version 6.8.8 for AirPods last month and added Enhance Dialog to first-generation HomePods in May), but once a product goes vintage, expect it to drop from the list of supported devices. For example, the iPhone X can’t get the current version of iOS, iOS 17.
Condition is also important if you're thinking of buying second-hand or refurbished older Apple products. Vintage status means they now have a more limited lifespan, and that means you should buy or bid accordingly – their value has just dropped considerably.
