This Apple iPhone Is Now 'Vintage' — You Won't Get Service, Support In Some Time

Even as the iPhone 17 launch draws near, Apple is phasing out the outdated iPhone models in the interim, designating some as vintage and others as obsolete. 

Apple has formally added the iPhone XS to its list of vintage devices, marking the end of one of the most experimental periods of the iPhone's history. Notably, the iPhone XS Max was added to Apple’s vintage list in November 2024, and now, the younger sibling has joined too.

Apple usually labels a device vintage after it has been out of formal distribution for five years.

If you still own an iPhone XS, it means you’re staring at a complete phase out sometime. In case required, you might have it fixed at an authorised service centre or an Apple Store if components are available. But you could be in trouble after those run out. 

The bad news is that the iPhone XS will be deemed obsolete by Apple in two more years. That means even if spare parts are available, Apple will completely stop hardware support for the iPhone XS. Your device will be hanging in the balance, and you will have to upgrade.

The iPhone XS was launched in September 2018, replacing the iPhone X and packing a spec raise. Under its hood, it was powered by speedier A12 Bionic chip, sported improved cameras, and had dual SIM functionality via eSIM even though its design philosophy was the same as iPhone X. 

Apple has also moved the fifth-generation iPad, which was released in 2017, from vintage to obsolete, which means no more official spare and service support for the device from now on.

Also, has posted a remark to its support pages advising owners of 2018 Mac minis to "check with an Apple-authorised service channel to determine the service status of this product". This could indicate its status is a tad unclear. The model was notably put on the vintage list some months back.