Apple will soon reveal its next generation iPhones. The company is expected to announce the iPhone 17 series on 9 September, which is with some big changes compared to its current lineup. However, before the new iPhones are launched, a host of old products is now part of Apple’s ‘Vintage’ list.

The vintage list refers to products that are out of distribution by Apple for 5 years or more, but less than 7 years. By September 2025, the latest iPhones to join this list include iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone 8 series also includes (product) red version of equipment.

Why the vintage list matters

In the vintage list, iPhones are eligible for apple and its authorized service providers. However, these repair are subject to the availability of spare parts.

In addition, these devices usually do not receive new iOS versions, while security updates are expected to continue.

Therefore, if you have an iPhone that is in the vintage list, now the upgrade time can be. However, this is not completely necessary, as you can still get service until the parts are available.

Apple’s obsolete list

Apple’s obsolete list includes devices whose distribution was stopped 7 years ago. Compiring, a device on the vintage list is essentially in the obsolete list within a period of 2 years.

Currently, the latest iPhones of this list include iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. However, only 32GB variants are mentioned by Apple, while other versions remain in the vintage list.

The situation is worse with the obsolete list. Apple does not guarantee any repair or hardware support for these devices. Additionally, software support through safety patch is also unlikely.

For users with any tool in the obsolete list, this is the time to move to a new iPhone. Not only your iPhone will rarely get service support, but the lack of security patch can make it unsafe for cyber attack.

On the surface, user may not be happy with the apple’s decision to eliminate support for devices. However, Cupertino giants still lead the smartphone industry when it comes to long -term support. It was Apple’s constant update to iPhones that pushed Android manufacturers such as Samsung and Google to provide seven years of software update.