Apple has updated its list of vintage products. New additions include the iPhone 6s and the 2018 Mac mini. If you own one of these devices, you should know what this classification means. It affects not only repairs but also general support.
Apple assigns its devices specific life cycles. Once a product is considered "vintage," the full support you've known so far ends. While repairs are often still possible, they are only available under certain conditions. This is especially relevant if you're still actively using your device or need replacement parts. Read here to find out exactly why the iPhone 6s and the 2018 Mac mini are now considered vintage, how Apple defines this, and what you should specifically consider.
What does “vintage” mean at Apple?
Apple classifies a device as vintage if it is left unused for five years after its last official sale. This means it is no longer fully supported. Apple itself and authorized service providers still offer repairs, but only if spare parts are available. There is no longer any entitlement to service. After seven years, a product is classified as "obsolete." Apple then discontinues all support. Repairs by Apple or authorized partners are also no longer possible at this point, because no parts are produced or stored anymore (via Apple Support).
These Apple products are now vintage
iPhone 6s
The iPhone 6s was launched in 2015. However, Apple kept it in its product line as a more affordable entry-level model until 2018. Therefore, it is now classified as vintage for the first time, in 2025. The iPhone 6s was a special model for several reasons:
- It was the first iPhone with 3D Touch, a pressure-sensitive display.
- It was the last flagship iPhone with a classic headphone jack.
- Apple installed the A9 chip, which provided a significant performance increase at the time.
- The case was made of reinforced aluminum to avoid the “Bendgate” incident of the iPhone 6.
The model was very popular for years because, despite its low price, it offered many features that were standard at Apple at the time. Software support also continued for a long time. iOS 15 was the last supported version.
Mac mini 2018
The 2018 Mac mini was the last model in this series to feature Intel processors before Apple switched to its own chips. It was especially popular with developers and creative professionals who used macOS but wanted a compact desktop solution. The technical specifications:
- Optionally with Intel Coffee Lake CPUs: 4-core or 6-core
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Flexible case with many connection options, including Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 2.0 and USB-A
This Mac mini was also introduced in 2018 and hasn't been sold since. It now meets the five-year warranty period and has been officially considered vintage since April 2025. So, if you own a 2018 Mac mini and something's wrong with it, repairs may depend on the parts inventory.
What does this mean specifically for you?
If you use one of the affected devices, you should keep the following in mind:
- There's no longer a repair warranty. You might only get lucky if spare parts are still in stock.
- You will no longer receive software updates for these devices. Security-related updates, in particular, will be missing.
- If you have hardware issues, the Apple Store or a certified partner may turn you away.
So it's worth considering a new device if you rely on long-term reliability and support. Especially for security-critical applications, you shouldn't wait too long.
iPhone 6s and Mac mini 2018 – at the end of their life cycle
Apple classified the iPhone 6s and the Mac mini as vintage products in 2018. Both devices have served reliably for years, but their official lifecycle has now essentially ended. Repairs are limited, and updates are no longer available. If you're still using one of these devices, you should consider alternatives in good time—before "vintage" finally becomes "obsolete." (Photo by Unsplash / Marjan Grabowski)
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