Three Mac computers were deemed obsolete or vintage by Apple as of this past Tuesday, October 31. What this means is that even if the computers are still in use, Apple will no longer repair them or provide replacement parts for them.
According to a recent report, the extended warranty offer for 2012 MacBook Pros with retina displays has ended as well. Some models of this laptop had anti-reflective coating that rubbed off. Many Apple gurus dubbed this problem “Staingate.”
So which Macs are so recently included in the “obsolete” and “vintage” categories? iMacs from late 2009—both the 21.5-inch and the 27-inch models—are now considered obsolete. This is simply a step Apple takes five years after a model is last manufactured.
The latest computer to move into the “vintage” category is the Mac Mini, which was last manufactured in mid-2011. This classification indicates that support is still provided for these devices for an additional two years. This is due to legal reasons in both Turkey and California.
What does this now mean for owners of these Apple computers? Some consumers are already upset—especially with regard to the Mac Mini. One comment following the Apple announcement reads as follows.
“As an owner of a 2012 Mac Mini, it feels odd to see the obsolescence date nearing. Technically being only one model older than the current shipping one it is still the most powerful and most upgradable Mac Mini. I hope the 2012 is still supported for a few more years, considering they were still sold as current models until late in 2012.”
Another commenter offered a bit of consolation.
“Typically Apple goes by the date they were last sold, not when they were introduced. Since the 2012 model was sold until late 2014, it should probably be fully supported until 2019, and obsolete around 2021,” the commenter wrote.
Clearly Mac users have grave concerns about what to do if and when their computers deemed obsolete or vintage require repairs. Is there anyone else they can contact to assist them when something goes awry with their computers?
Mac users can, in fact, take heed. Even though Apple has stopped repairing these computers, we still repair them. A simple phone call to us at 1-800-555-5555 will put you in touch with highly skilled technicians who will use their training and high quality parts to get your Mac computer back into tip-top shape. Call today and get your Mac back up and running.