Your Apple Watch Series 4's new 'vintage' status means fixing it just got more complicated – here's why

Those of you still wearing an Apple Watch Series 4 on your wrist could now run into problems if your watch ever needs to be repaired. That’s because Apple labels products beyond a certain lifespan as “vintage,” which affects if, how, and where you can get them fixed if they break down.

Also: 8 times the Apple Watch predicted danger and saved lives in 2024

On the latest version of a page that explains what happens if an Apple product’s warranty has expired, the company added a couple of new devices to its vintage lineup on Thursday. Tops on the list is the Apple Watch Series 4, which debuted in 2018. That year aligns with the new designation. Based on Apple’s assessment, devices become vintage when the company has stopped selling them more than five years but less than seven years ago.

What does it mean if you own a vintage product?

If the device is still working, great. Keep using it as long as you want. But if it conks out, you may have trouble getting it fixed.

You might be able to request parts and servicing; however, that depends on the availability of the parts. If your local Apple Store or third-party repair shop doesn’t have the parts in stock right away, you’ll have to wait until they’re found, or you may be out of luck completely. In that case, you may have to check eBay or a third-party reseller to try to uncover the parts yourself.

What other Apple devices are now on the vintage list? 

Comparing the latest version of Apple’s page with an older version from the Internet Archive, the only other item I found was the 2019 15-inch MacBook Pro. If you’re still using that model, keep your fingers crossed that it remains in good health.

When Apple updated its list in July 2024, it tagged the iPhone X, the fifth-generation iPad, the Apple Watch Series 2, the first-generation AirPods, and the early 2015 MacBook Air as vintage. They joined such products as the iPhone 5, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, the Apple Watch Series 1, and the 2018 Retina 13-inch MacBook Air.

Also: The best Apple Watches

The news is worse for a product considered obsolete, which receives that label when Apple has halted sales more than seven years ago. In this event, the company discontinues all hardware service for such devices, and service providers can’t even order parts for them. The lone exception is a MacBook, which may be able to get a new battery for as long as 10 years after sales have been curtailed, but only if parts are available.

You can certainly complain about vendors who cut off or curb support and servicing for their products beyond a certain date. But keep in mind that parts for older products become more scarce with time, limiting your service options. Sooner or later, you’ll have to spring for a new device, especially if your existing one gets sick beyond repair.