As a general rule of thumb, “vintage” typically denotes something 20 years or older, but in the rapidly evolving technology industry, the lifecycle of a device — and when it is considered an antique machine — is much shorter.
Apple, for one, has reportedly just added some newer tech to its list of products that are considered “vintage” — devices that the company stopped selling more than five years but less than seven years ago.
According to MacRumors, the roster of vintage Apple products has expanded to include the first-generation HomePod, the iPhone X and first-generation AirPods, all of which were released under a decade ago.
The iPhone X marked a pivotal period for Apple, Tom’s Guide reports.
Its 2017 release not only commemorated the 10th iteration of the smartphone, but it also was the first device design that lacked a home button, an artifact that seems ancient in the age of Face ID and futuristic screen navigation, which both negate the need for the circular button and Touch ID at the bottom of the device.
Apple’s first generation HomePod, which rang in at $349, was released shortly thereafter in early 2018. The device integrated Siri, Apple Music and AirPlay, per Tom’s Guide, and delivered high-quality sound — yet it lacked the ability to control tasks in the home, unlike Google’s and Amazon’s smart device models at the time.
However, future HomePods evolved and began incorporating smart home features, dating the first generation device.
Apple’s first-ever AirPods, which sold for $159 when released in 2016, were a breakthrough in wireless headphone technology, per Mac Rumors.
The Bluetooth headphones, with a portable charging case, were equipped with sensors to detect when they were in people’s ears and automatically paused audio when removed.
Now, AirPods are in their third generation, and Apple offers the AirPod Pro and Max varieties.
After earning “vintage” status, devices that have been out of circulation for more than seven years are labeled as “obsolete,” meaning they no longer are eligible for service or repair due to a lack of parts.
Now, the iPhone 16 is on the horizon as Apple plans for another release following the company’s recent iOS 18 announcement.