Apple now considers these two iPhones as obsolete products

Apple iPhone

• Apple moved iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 to the obsolete category.
• Apple and providers to stop repairs for these models.
• Users must seek third-party repairs for obsolete iPhones.

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Apple has updated its product support list and moved the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 to the company’s obsolete devices category worldwide. The change means Apple and its authorised service providers will no longer offer hardware repairs or service support for these devices. The update was first spotted by MacRumors.

Both smartphones were released more than a decade ago and had already been on Apple’s vintage list for several years before being moved to the obsolete category.

For the iPhone 5, the transition was relatively straightforward. The device had already been classified as vintage and has now moved into the obsolete category as it crossed the support threshold.

The situation with the iPhone 4 was slightly more complex. Apple had previously listed the iPhone 4 GSM (8GB) model as obsolete, while the iPhone 4 (8GB) variant remained on the vintage list.

With the latest update, Apple has removed the iPhone 4 (8GB) from the vintage list and consolidated the obsolete listing under the iPhone 4 GSM (8GB) designation.

What are vintage Apple products?

Apple generally categorises products as vintage once five years have passed since the company last sold them. When a device enters the vintage category, Apple and its authorised service providers may still offer repairs, but only if replacement parts are available.

This means servicing older devices becomes increasingly difficult over time as spare components become harder to source. However, Apple does not always move products to the vintage list immediately after the five-year mark passes. The timing can vary depending on internal decisions and parts availability.

What are obsolete Apple products?

Apple typically classifies a device as obsolete once more than seven years have passed since it was last sold. When a product reaches this stage, Apple stops offering hardware service and repair support entirely through its official channels. This applies to Apple Stores as well as authorised service providers.

Once a device is listed as obsolete, users generally have to rely on third-party repair options if they need hardware fixes.