Apple is praised for its extensive software support which allows devices to receive full software upgrades for more than five years in some cases. Even when a device is ineligible for the latest yearly iOS release, the company often provides security updates to older iPhones that are still in use. It's for that reason that many Apple products remain in use far longer than their Android and Windows-based counterparts. However, when an Apple device reaches a hardware limitation and requires repair, it's not as easy to keep the device in use. In some cases, it's impossible.
Apple products typically ship with a one-year limited warranty, which provides support and service for certain software and hardware issues that could affect devices. Outside of the standard warranty, users may be afforded additional protections under the consumer law in their country or region. Without these two securities, the only cost-effective repair option is AppleCare+ insurance, which allows users to receive service for two incidents of accidental damage per year for a fixed deductible. AppleCare+ was first available only as a one-time purchase; however, the company now has monthly plans that can be continued beyond two or three years.
If a device is not covered by the one-year limited warranty, consumer law, or AppleCare, users can generally opt to repair the product at Apple or at an independent repair provider. In these cases, people can expect to pay large sums to replace high-value components of devices, like displays and logic boards. For other components, like batteries, the cost is more manageable. As the devices get older, though, users may not even have the option to pay Apple or an independent repair provider to fix their device. Spare parts and service are only available for a finite amount of time after a product's discontinuation, limiting the usability of older devices.
What Are Vintage And Obsolete Products?
Apple guarantees repair services for up to five years after a product is discontinued. After that, repair options get a bit more complicated. The company has two designations for older devices with regards to repair services: vintage and obsolete products. Apple devices are considered vintage when they have been discontinued for more than five but less than seven years, while obsolete products have been discontinued for seven or more years. Some products with vintage status may receive repair services from Apple and independent repair providers, but it isn't guaranteed. As for obsolete products, Apple does not provide hardware services for those devices.
When an Apple device is vintage or obsolete, users might be able to find an independent repair provider to service their device. However, the company does not provide parts to independent repair providers after a product is designated as obsolete, so spare parts may be scarce. For MacBooks, Apple does offer battery-only service after a Mac is considered obsolete, which is an excellent way to give new life to an old MacBook. Though, users daily driving other older Apple devices may find that the company's software support outlasts their hardware support when a repair is needed.
Source: Apple Support