If you own an iPhone XS Max, now you need to take care of it more than ever, because it will be more and more difficult to repair. this month, Apple has made an update to the list of vintage and obsolete devices, adding two iPhone models and four models of Apple Watch.
Recently added to Vintage:
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 6s Plus
Recently added to Obsolete:
- Apple Watch Series 2, Aluminum (2nd generation), 38mm
- Apple Watch Series 2, Aluminum (2nd generation), 42mm
- Apple Watch Series 2, Stainless Steel (2nd generation), 38mm
- Apple Watch Series 2, Stainless Steel (2nd generation), 42mm
Interestingly, the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus both once entered the vintage product list, even if there is a difference of three years between the two models. This means that the iPhone 6s Plus model, even though it is three years older, was withdrawn from sale along with the iPhone XS Max.
Related: Can you repair an iPhone that's a few years old?
When a product Apple is between 5 and 7 years old since it was withdrawn from sale (not since it was released), this is added to the vintage list. This means that the probability of finding replacement spare parts for that product drops quite a bit because Apple no longer guarantees their supply. However, if you have an iPhone XS Max that you need to repair, you can try unofficial services. Most of the time, they reuse working parts from similar defective devices.
For "Obsolete" products, as they are Apple Watch Series 2, recently added, the probability of being repaired decreases even more. These products mean they are more than 7 years old Apple put the last unit up for sale, and no more spare parts are produced for them.
So, if you own an iPhone XS Max or iPhone 6s Plus, the probability of finding spare parts in an authorized service has decreased Apple.
