Apple has officially classified the cult smartphone iPhone X and the 2018 MacBook Pro laptop as "obsolete." This decision, made in August 2026, marks the complete cessation of official service support for these devices. Owners of these gadgets, which once defined the look of modern Apple technology, can no longer count on repairs at the company's authorized service centers.
From "Vintage" to Full Discontinuation: What Changed?
Apple classifies its hardware into two main levels of support. The "Vintage" status is assigned to devices that have been discontinued for 5 to 7 years. In this status, service centers still attempt to repair the gadget using parts available in stock. However, the "Obsolete" status is assigned to products that stopped selling more than 7 years ago. For such devices, all maintenance and parts supply cease completely. The iPhone X, discontinued in September 2018, and the MacBook Pro 2018, released in July of the same year, now fall into this category.
iPhone X: The Device That Changed the Industry
The iPhone X, released in November 2017, was a turning point in the company's history. It was Apple's first smartphone with an OLED display and Face ID recognition system. The model completely abandoned the Touch ID scanner in favor of an edge-to-edge display with a notch at the top. The device laid the foundation for modern iPhone design with its glass back panel and stainless steel frame. The last officially supported operating system for this smartphone was iOS 16 — the device did not receive an update to iOS 17, which was the first signal of the approaching end of its lifecycle.
MacBook Pro 2018: The Legacy of the T2 Chip and "Butterfly" Keyboard
The 2018 MacBook Pro was also a significant product. It became the company's first laptop equipped with the Apple T2 security chip. However, the model is remembered by users for its "butterfly" mechanism keyboard, which caused numerous complaints due to low reliability. A special free keyboard repair program was in effect until 2024, but now, with the transition to "obsolete" status, even these repairs are officially unavailable. The laptop is capable of running macOS Sequoia, however, subsequent versions of the OS will not be available for it.
Contradictory Data and Support Nuances
Although the "obsolete" status means the end of official support, in practice, the situation may not be so unambiguous. Some independent service centers may continue to repair these devices using parts from discontinued gadgets or compatible analogues. Additionally, software support may be extended in the form of security updates for older versions of iOS and macOS, although new features are already unavailable. Owners are advised to check the availability of software updates and repair options with authorized partners.
Time to Upgrade: What Should Owners Do?
Owners of the iPhone X and MacBook Pro 2018 who are still using these devices are advised to consider upgrading. While the iPhone 17 line is currently available to users, a new iPhone 18 series is expected to be presented soon. For laptops, more modern models with improved performance and support for the latest versions of macOS are also available. Switching to new devices will ensure access to the latest features, security, and service support.
