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Apple has reclassified three more devices, changing their status in official product support. Specifically, this affects the MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017), the iPad mini 4, and the Apple TV HD with 32GB of storage. While the MacBook Air is now considered "vintage," Apple has reclassified the iPad mini 4 and certain Apple TV models as "obsolete." This change is particularly relevant because it directly impacts repairs, service, and the availability of replacement parts.
When Apple reclassifies older hardware, it's usually more than just a formal change in an internal list. The terms "vintage" and "obsolete" precisely define the extent of support for a device. This clarifies whether repairs are still possible or whether official service has ended permanently.
In this particular case, it affects three products from different device categories. This makes Apple's decision especially interesting because it shows how the company is gradually phasing out regular support for its older Macs, iPads, and Apple TV models.
MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) now officially "Vintage"
Apple has added the 2017 13-inch MacBook Air to its list of "vintage" products. This status means that repairs for the device are not completely impossible, but will only take place under certain conditions.
In this case, service is only available at Apple Stores and authorized Apple service partners. The crucial factor is whether the necessary replacement parts are still available. If the required components are missing, even a potentially successful repair cannot be processed.
This model holds a special place within the MacBook Air line. It was the last MacBook Air released by Apple before the series underwent a major redesign in 2018. With the 2018 redesign, the MacBook Air received a new enclosure and, for the first time, a Retina display. The 2017 model thus marks the end of the older, classic design.
The iPad mini 4 is now "obsolete"
Additionally, Apple has added all configurations of the iPad mini 4 to its list of "obsolete" products. This means that a significantly stricter policy applies to this device than to the MacBook Air.
Apple defines "obsolete" as meaning that no service whatsoever is offered. Repairs through Apple or authorized service partners are therefore completely discontinued. The device will no longer receive any official support.
The iPad mini 4 was launched in 2015 and remained in Apple's product line until 2019. It was therefore part of Apple's offerings for several years before being discontinued. With this new classification, its product lifecycle is now definitively closed, including its support.
Apple TV HD (32 GB) is also classified as "obsolete"
Apple has also made another change to its Apple TV lineup. Apple TV devices with 32 GB of storage have now been added to the list of "obsolete" products. This means that all official support for these devices has ended.
The Apple TV HD was first introduced in 2015. It was discontinued in October 2022 when Apple released the third generation of the Apple TV 4K. Despite this discontinuation, the "obsolete" status does not yet apply to all models, but only to those with 32 GB of storage.
This limitation is important because it shows that Apple doesn't always classify the individual configurations of a product simultaneously. Therefore, it's not just the product line itself that matters, but also the specific storage version.
What Apple means by "vintage" and "outdated"
Apple uses two clearly distinct categories for older products. A device is considered "vintage" if it was last offered for sale by Apple more than five years ago. During this period, limited service is still possible, but only if spare parts are available.
Apple classifies devices as "obsolete" if they haven't been sold for more than seven years. Once this point is reached, Apple states that no service is provided. Repairs and replacement parts through official channels are then completely unavailable.
This distinction is crucial because it makes a big difference in everyday use. With the MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017), there is still a chance of repair. This option is no longer available for the iPad mini 4 and the Apple TV HD with 32 GB.
Apple sets clear limits on device support
With this new classification, Apple expands its lists of "vintage" and "obsolete" products to include three more well-known devices. The MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) moves into the "vintage" category and can only be repaired to a limited extent, provided replacement parts are available. The iPad mini 4 and the 32GB Apple TV HD, on the other hand, are now considered "obsolete" and no longer receive official service.
The decision fits within Apple's established support system, but also clearly demonstrates how consistently the company removes older hardware from active support after fixed periods. For affected devices, it is now clearly defined what is still possible and what is no longer. (Image: Shutterstock / Lebedev Yury)
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