Apple Moves iPhone 11 Pro, Apple Watch Series 5 Into Limited-Support Phase

Apple has quietly updated its global service lifecycle list, shifting several popular devices—including the iPhone 11 Pro and Apple Watch Series 5—into categories that indicate reduced long-term support. While these products are still usable and, in many cases, software-compatible, the update marks the beginning of the end for guaranteed hardware servicing.

How Apple Defines Device Lifecycles

Apple follows a strict timeline to determine how long products receive official service:

Vintage products are those that stopped being sold more than five years ago. Repairs may still be available, but only if spare parts exist.

Obsolete products have been discontinued for over seven years. Once a device reaches this stage, Apple and its authorised service partners typically stop offering hardware repairs altogether, with rare regional exceptions.

This classification system allows Apple to phase out older hardware while focusing resources on newer devices.

What the “Vintage” Label Means for Users

The addition of the iPhone 11 Pro and Apple Watch Series 5 to the vintage list does not mean immediate loss of functionality—but it does signal shrinking support.

Hardware repairs: Battery replacements, screen fixes, or other repairs are still possible for now, but availability depends on remaining inventory. Users planning repairs are advised not to delay.

Software support: Vintage status does not instantly affect operating system updates. As of January 2026, the iPhone 11 Pro continues to run the latest iOS 26, though future major updates may exclude it.

Support horizon: Based on Apple’s usual timelines, these devices are expected to move to the obsolete category within the next two years.

Full List of Newly Vintage Apple Devices

Alongside the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple has added several other products to the vintage category:

Apple Watch Series 5

Intel-based 13-inch MacBook Air (2020)

iPad Air (3rd generation, cellular variant)

iPhone 8 Plus (128GB version)

These devices remain widely used, but their transition reflects Apple’s ongoing shift toward newer hardware platforms and technologies.

By - Aaradhay  Sharma