iPod Repair:
Apple Classifies Old Models As “Obsolete” And Will Now Refuse Old iPod Repair
Some countries are now beginning to classify certain Apple gadgets as too old to repair.
Apple products made before a certain time are now considered so vintage as to be obsolete. The list of products includes iPods, Macs and Beats devices made before a certain year. The new categorization of such items will classify them as being ineligible for repair.
As of December 2015, any of these items made before a certain date will not be able to be repaired. This includes not only Apple stores but also authorized repair services.
How does Apple determine what is considered “obsolete”?
With their consistent releases of updated products, Apple discontinues certain products. Five to seven years after production is stopped the product is officially considered as outdated.
In terms of classifying outdated items, devices that are labeled as “vintage” are ones that were discontinued five to seven years ago. Items that are considered “obsolete” are ones that have been out of production for more than seven years.
In particular, with the wide use of the highly capable iPhone, any iPod made before the fourth generation of iPod touch is now considered obsolete by Apple. If you do find yourself in need of an old iPod repair, you may find that certain repair stories will turn you away.
If you break your old iPod, some repair stores may now refuse your iPod repair.
Why does Apple want to stop old model repairs?
Classifying their old products as “vintage” and “obsolete” as well as un-repairable will no doubt spurn more of us to upgrade to the latest versions of our older classics.
Surely it is not unintentional that this new rule was set in place at the beginning of December – right around peak Christmas shopping season.
If any of your loved ones wants their old Apple gadgets repaired for Christmas, the only thing to do might be to buy them an entirely new one. Well played, Apple.
For a full list of the models Apple are now classifying as “vintage” or “obsolete,” read here.