Apple has added the MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) to its official “vintage” products list, marking a new stage in the device’s lifecycle.
What “vintage” means
Apple classifies a product as vintage when it has not been sold for more than five years. Once a device reaches this status:
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Repairs are still possible at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers
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Service depends on whether replacement parts are still available
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Long-term repair support becomes increasingly limited over time
After approximately seven years, products typically transition to “obsolete,” at which point Apple usually stops offering hardware service entirely.
Context for the MacBook Air (2017)
The 2017 MacBook Air represents one of the final iterations of the classic Intel-era design before Apple transitioned to its newer Apple silicon lineup. It was part of the long-running pre–Retina MacBook Air generation that remained popular due to its low price and lightweight design.
Its addition to the vintage list reflects Apple’s ongoing phase-out of older Intel-based Macs as newer systems take priority in manufacturing and repair support.
This update is part of Apple’s routine lifecycle management as it continues to modernize its hardware ecosystem.
Apple has updated its legacy product classifications, moving several older devices further along its support lifecycle.
MacBook Air (2017) enters “vintage” status
The MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) has now been added to Apple’s “vintage” list. This model was the final version of the classic pre–Retina design before Apple introduced a fully redesigned Retina MacBook Air in 2018.
With this change, the device is now only eligible for repairs at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers if replacement parts are still available.
iPad mini 4 and Apple TV HD become obsolete
Apple has also expanded its “obsolete” list to include:
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iPad mini 4 (all configurations)
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Apple TV HD (32GB models)
An obsolete designation means these products are no longer eligible for hardware service or repair from Apple or authorized providers.
Apple’s support timeline explained
Apple classifies older products in two stages:
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Vintage: Discontinued for more than 5 years — limited repairs possible if parts exist
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Obsolete: Discontinued for more than 7 years — no hardware service available
The update reflects Apple’s ongoing transition away from older Intel-era Macs and earlier-generation devices as newer hardware continues to take precedence in its ecosystem.