Apple has listed the iPhone 5c as “vintage,” limiting the support offered.
The company regularly adds older products to its vintage and obsolete product listings page, and in the process limits technical support that can be offered. The idea is that Apple now considers the device old and outdated, therefore encouraging consumers to upgrade.
Apple says that a product becomes vintage when it hasn’t been sold for more than five years, and the categorization applies across Apple’s entire portfolio, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs. When a product moves into vintage status, Apple limits the availability of support available to consumers, including in-store tech help.
“Vintage products are those that have not been sold for more than 5 and less than 7 years ago. Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple TV vintage products continue to receive hardware service from Apple service providers, including Apple Retail Stores, subject to availability of inventory, or as required by law,” Apple says on its website, outlining the services offered.
Apple first released the iPhone 5c in September 2013, serving as a low-cost alternative to the iPhone 5. It spearheaded the rapid growth in iPhone sales, allowing more consumers (particularly young people) to make the switch to iOS. The device features an 8-megapixel camera, features the A6 chip, and came in five colors: yellow, green, pink, blue, and white.
Following other Apple products, the iPhone 5c will be made obsolete in 2022, meaning that the company will no longer offer any support. Users who want to hold onto their iPhone 5c should keep it in good condition and only use Apple Authorized partners for repairs.
Did you have an iPhone 5c? Let us know what you miss about the device and check back soon for more news on everything Apple, every week.
