Two of the MacBook Pros that launched back in 2017 just got a bit harder to get repaired. That’s because they’ve been added to Apple’s official list of vintage devices. This includes the 15-inch model introduced in 2017 and one of the two 13-inch MacBook Pros.
But it’ll be years before they’re listed as obsolete.
Vintage MacBooks still have plenty of life
Apple’s “vintage and obsolete” list should not be taken a evidence that the company doesn’t properly support older products. Every MacBook, iPhone, iPad, etc. can get service for at least five years, and many devices that are even older still get OS updates.
But the number of these computers still in use drops every year. Eventually, Apple has to stop servicing them.
And the MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017) just took a step in that direction now that it’s labeled vintage. This laptop was a modest update to the one from 2016. It kept the controversial Touch Bar and the problematical butterfly keyboard. But it did get faster processor options.
The MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports) has also been added to the vintage list. Like its larger sibling, the only significant change in this version over its predecessor was faster Intel processors.
Don’t confuse it with the MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports) which does not have a Touch Bar. That one stayed in Apple’s product lineup longer and is therefore not being classified as vintage at this time.
MacBook models go vintage, then obsolete
macOS computers are classified as vintage five years after they were last manufactured. Vintage products can still get serviced by Apple and authorized service providers, but that’s “subject to availability of inventory,” according to Apple.
After two more years, products are labeled obsolete, which is the end of the line for authorized repairs. This happened to the original 12-inch MacBook in June. “Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products,” notes the Mac maker.
