This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
Apple will add two iMac models to the vintage list at the end of January – this is reported by MacRumors.
The US website MacRumors has obtained an internal document. According to it, Apple plans to discontinue two iMacs on January 30th. The 21.5" and 27" iMac models from 2012 are affected. As soon as Apple devices are listed as "obsolete" or "discontinued", support ends.
What does this mean for users?
This means that users can no longer get repairs from Apple or authorized service providers. In the event of a problem, they have to resort to independent service providers. Apart from a few exceptions, Apple's rule of thumb is to produce spare parts for devices for five years - but this period only starts when production of the respective device is discontinued. Only then is the customer forced to look for spare parts elsewhere.
repair program for vintage devices
Perhaps Apple will be gracious and include the affected iMac models in its repair program for vintage devices. This is a pilot program with restrictions. If the respective Apple Store or service provider does not have a certain component, the repair cannot be carried out. Currently, the iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, MacBook Air (11 inch and 13 inch, mid-2012), MacBook Pro 15″ (mid-2012) and iMac (21.5 and 27 inch, mid-2011 - USA and Turkey only) are supported by this program. It is expected to last until around 2020.
