Apple is expanding its pilot repair program for vintage Macs.
Both the 11- and 13-inch MacBook Air machines released in mid-2012 will remain eligible for service at Apple Stores worldwide until August 31, 2020. That’s despite them being added to Apple’s vintage and obsolete products list on August 31, 2018.
Launched back in February, Apple’s pilot program gives users of older Macs the chance to have any faults fixed by Apple and its Authorized Service Providers — rather than third-party repairers.
The program started with support for the 21.5- and 27-inch iMac models released in mid-2011, but it was only available to customers in the United States and Turkey. Now, for the first time, the program is expanding to support new machines and new territories.
Apple adds MacBook Air to pilot repair program
In an internal document distributed to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers, obtained by MacRumors, Apple confirms the mid-2012 MacBook Air lineup will be eligible for service until August 31, 2020.
This extends service support for a full two years after the machines will be added to Apple’s vintage and obsolete products list. Customers will be able to take their devices to any Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider worldwide.
Mail-in service will also be available in the U.S. and Japan.
Service extended for mid-2011 iMac
Apple has also extended service coverage for the mid-2011 iMac. It was set to expire on August 31, 2018, but now runs until January 1, 2019, the document confirms. It should be noted, however, that unlike the MacBook Air, iMac service is still available only in the U.S. and Turkey.
You may still be denied service for vintage Apple machines if the necessary parts are unavailable. It’s unlikely Apple will be able to fix every problem with six-year-old machines.
