Apple has quietly updated its vintage and obsolete products list, and this time the changes hit a little closer to home. The last Intel-powered MacBook Air, along with the Apple Watch Series 5, is now officially considered vintage. Yes, an entire era just moved one step further into Apple history.
Let’s break down what changed, what it means, and why this update matters.
The Final Intel MacBook Air is Now Vintage
The MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020) has officially joined Apple’s vintage list. This model is notable for one big reason. It was the last MacBook Air to run on Intel chips.
Apple launched it in March 2020 with Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 options. Just eight months later, it was quietly replaced by the first M1 MacBook Air, which kicked off Apple’s rapid move to Apple silicon.
In hindsight, this Intel Air barely had time to settle in. Now, it’s officially legacy hardware.
Apple Watch Series 5 Joins the Vintage Club
Every major version of the Apple Watch Series 5 has also been added to the vintage list. That includes:
- Aluminum models
- Stainless steel versions
- Titanium and ceramic editions
- Nike and Hermès variants
- Both 40mm and 44mm sizes
The Series 5 launched in 2019 and introduced the always-on display, a feature that quickly became standard. While it still feels modern to many users, it has now crossed Apple’s five-year cutoff.
Other Devices Newly Labeled Vintage
Apple didn’t stop there. Several other products were added as well:
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 8 Plus (128GB only)
- iPad Air 3 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
Worth noting: Wi-Fi-only iPad Air 3 models are not vintage yet.
What “Vintage” Actually Means for Owners
When Apple labels a device as vintage, it does not mean support ends immediately.
Apple and authorized service providers can still offer repairs, as long as parts are available. Availability is the key phrase here.
Once a product becomes obsolete, which happens after seven years, hardware repairs are generally no longer offered. MacBooks are a slight exception, as they may still qualify for battery-only repairs for up to ten years, depending on parts.
One Product Officially Becomes Obsolete
Apple also moved the Mickey Mouse 90th Anniversary Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones from vintage to obsolete status. That means hardware service is no longer supported for that special edition model.
A Quiet Milestone for Apple Silicon
This update is more symbolic than dramatic. Seeing the final Intel MacBook Air labeled vintage highlights just how fast Apple transitioned away from Intel.
In less than five years, Apple silicon went from a bold experiment to the backbone of the entire Mac lineup. The Intel Air had a short life, but it marked the end of an era.
If you still own one of these devices, you are not out of luck. Just know that official support now depends on part availability, and the long-term clock is officially ticking.
