Apple Declares 11-Inch MacBook Air and Two Other Macs Obsolete

Apple Declares 11-inch MacBook Air Obsolete: End of an Era for Compact Laptops

Apple has officially declared several older Mac models obsolete. The list includes the final version of the iconic 11-inch MacBook Air. This change was confirmed on Apple’s official website this week.

The move marks the end of an era for Apple’s most compact laptop. According to Reuters, this is a standard procedure following Apple’s own internal policies. The products are now classified as vintage or obsolete.

Which Apple Products Are Now Obsolete?

Three specific Mac models have been added to the obsolete list. The most notable is the MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015). Also included are two MacBook Pro models from 2017.

A product becomes “obsolete” once seven years have passed since Apple stopped selling it. This means official repair services are almost always discontinued. However, some limited battery service may remain available for a short time.

The 11-inch MacBook Air was discontinued in late 2016. It was removed from sale shortly after new MacBook Pro models were announced. Its addition to the obsolete list now suggests some units were still available through resellers until 2018.

What Obsolete Status Means for MacBook Owners

This classification has immediate practical effects for owners. Apple Stores and authorized service providers will no longer repair these machines. Obtaining genuine replacement parts will become increasingly difficult.

There is a small exception for certain battery replacements. Apple may offer this service for up to ten years after a product’s discontinuation. This is entirely dependent on parts availability, which is not guaranteed.

This policy shift pushes users toward newer Apple hardware. The current MacBook Air lineup features 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch displays. The company is rumored to be developing a new 12.9-inch model powered by a smartphone chip.

Apple also updated its vintage products list this week. Select iPhone 8 Plus models were added to this category. Vintage products are eligible for repairs for two more years before becoming obsolete.

The shift to obsolete status for the 11-inch MacBook Air closes a beloved chapter in Apple’s design history. This compact laptop was a favorite for its extreme portability. Its official retirement highlights the relentless pace of technology evolution.

Info at your fingertips

What does ‘obsolete’ mean for an Apple product?

It means Apple stopped distributing the product for sale over seven years ago. The company and its authorized providers typically cease all hardware service and repairs for these items. Parts become very difficult to source.

Can I still get my obsolete MacBook Air repaired?

Officially, no. Apple Stores and authorized service centers will not repair it. You must rely on third-party repair shops. They may have limited access to used or compatible parts.

Why did Apple stop making the 11-inch MacBook Air?

Apple discontinued it to focus on larger-screen models that aligned with market demand. The trend shifted toward thinner bezels, allowing larger displays in similarly sized bodies. Sales of the smaller model had likely declined.

Is my iPhone 8 Plus now obsolete?

Not yet. Specific storage variants of the iPhone 8 Plus were added to the ‘vintage’ list. Vintage products can still be repaired for two more years, subject to parts availability. Full obsolescence comes later.

What is the smallest MacBook available now?

The current smallest MacBook is the 13.6-inch MacBook Air. Apple is rumored to be developing a new 12.9-inch model. This would be the most compact MacBook offered in nearly a decade.

Trusted Sources

Apple Official Website, Reuters