Apple has officially classified the Apple Watch Series 4 as a vintage product, marking the beginning of the end for the 2018 smartwatch. The designation applies globally to all aluminum and stainless steel 40mm and 44mm variants. According to Apple’s policy, a device becomes “vintage” five years after the company ceases distribution. While repairs may still be available through Apple or authorized providers, parts are not guaranteed.
End of an Era for Series 4
Launched in 2018, the Apple Watch Series 4 introduced a significant redesign, featuring a slimmer case and a 30% larger display than its predecessors. However, the latest watchOS 11 update has dropped support for the Series 4, along with the Series 5 and the original Apple Watch SE, effectively phasing out these models from future software updates.
15-inch MacBook Pro Also Joins Vintage List
In addition to the Apple Watch, Apple has added the final 15-inch MacBook Pro model to its vintage products list. Released in May 2019, this laptop was quickly replaced by the 16-inch MacBook Pro later that same year. Like the Series 4, it will now receive limited service support.
What “Vintage” Means for Users
While vintage products may still function, Apple’s reduced support means fewer repair options and no future software updates. Owners of these devices may need to consider upgrading to newer models to maintain full compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem.
