Apple has officially added three older models of MacBooks to its obsolete products list as of August 31, 2026. The devices are the 2018 Retina MacBook Air; the 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2018 with four Thunderbolt 3 ports; and the 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2017 with two Thunderbolt 3 ports. These machines had already been designated as “vintage”—a transitional stage before being marked obsolete.
Under Apple’s policy, “vintage” status is assigned five years after a model stops being sold, while “obsolete” follows at seven years. As obsolete, these Macs are no longer generally eligible for repair services through Apple Stores or authorized service providers, and Apple ceases to manufacture spare parts for them. However, battery replacement remains an exception: up to ten years after last sale, batteries may still be available.
Key Model Details
The 2018 Retina MacBook Air made a significant leap in the lineup. It introduced Retina display, Touch ID, a thinner and lighter enclosure, and reduced bezel size. Earlier MacBook Air versions lacked many of these features, especially the higher resolution screen and biometric security.
The two discontinued MacBook Pro models come from different years. The 2017 version features Intel’s Kaby Lake chips and held over the same shell design from previous Pro generations. In 2018, the Pro refreshed to include True Tone display and the newer third-generation butterfly keyboard—changes that drew both users’ interest and criticism.
What Obsolescence Means
Once a product becomes classified as obsolete, Apple generally stops providing repairs and parts. That includes Apple Authorized Service Providers. Vintage devices may still get service if parts are in stock. MacBook batteries are treated differently: even obsolete models may receive battery support up to ten years after sale.
For owners of the now obsolete 2017/2018 MacBook Pros and the 2018 MacBook Air, this means repair options will shrink considerably—even for issues beyond just the battery. Hardware fixes will become hard to come by, especially in non-Apple service markets.
This all ties into Apple’s structured lifecycle policy, which is designed to phase out older hardware gracefully rather than leave users in limbo. But as we reach the seven-year mark for these models, phasing comes with real costs. Charging ports, display panels, logic boards—these components won’t be restocked long in most places.
Owners looking to keep using these models should inspect condition now, consider acquiring spare components while still available, or explore Apple’s recycling and trade-in programs. Upgrading to a newer model may also make sense for those who rely on serviceability or performance enhancements.
What this means: The shift to obsolete status marks a major turning point for users of these MacBooks. It underscores the importance of planning ahead for the inevitable hardware rollback of legacy devices. For tech users especially, this could mean navigating limited repair options or investing in replacement machines. As Apple gears up with its latest silicon-based Macs, 2017-18 Intel era models continue their drop in support—and the clock is ticking for their hardware lifeline.
