Apple Declares iPhone X and HomePod as “Vintage” Products

Time flies, especially in the tech world, and Apple’s recent announcement underscores this with the first-generation Apple HomePod and iPhone X now officially considered “vintage” products. This designation, as noted by MacRumors, also extends to the first-generation AirPods, signifying that Apple ceased distributing these items more than five, but less than seven years ago. When products surpass the seven-year mark, they may be deemed “obsolete.”

iPhone X: A Groundbreaking Device

The iPhone X, introduced in 2017, was a revolutionary device in many ways. It was the first iPhone to feature a notch, changing the aesthetic and functional design of smartphones. Powered by the Apple A11 Bionic chip, it offered 3GB of RAM and storage options of 64GB or 256GB. Its camera setup included a dual 12-megapixel rear camera and a 7-megapixel front camera, which were state-of-the-art at the time.

First-Generation HomePod: A Surprising “Vintage” Tag

The HomePod, Apple’s venture into smart speakers, also launched in 2017, feels surprisingly recent to be labeled as vintage. It wasn’t until 2023 that Apple released a second-generation HomePod, which is remarkably similar to the original. The first-gen HomePod arguably has the edge in certain areas, such as a higher number of tweeters and microphones, despite a smaller subwoofer compared to its successor.

First-Generation AirPods: Wearable Pioneers

The original AirPods, introduced in 2016, set the standard for wireless earbuds. While subsequent versions have seen incremental improvements, the initial model’s impact on the wearable tech market was significant. Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, the first-gen AirPods’ designation as vintage is a testament to how quickly innovation progresses in this space.

Impact on Users and Service Availability

For owners of these devices, the “vintage” label doesn’t immediately change much. Apple Stores and Authorized Service Providers will continue to offer repairs for these products for up to two more years. However, it does signal that the end of official support is approaching. If you’re still using an iPhone X, congratulations on your device’s longevity, but it might be time to consider an upgrade.

Apple’s designation of the iPhone X, first-generation HomePod, and AirPods as vintage products serves as a reminder of the rapid evolution in technology. These devices, once cutting-edge, now represent milestones in Apple’s product history. While they will continue to function and receive support for a little while longer, the vintage label highlights the relentless march of innovation and the eventual need to move on to newer models.