Apple is ending an era: two cult iPods and other devices will no longer be repaired. What owners need to know and what alternatives there are.
Apple has officially declared the last generations of iPod nano and iPod shuffle obsolete. The tech giant is ending support for two of its once most popular music players. This decision affects the 7th generation iPod nano and 4th generation iPod shuffle, both of which were last sold in 2017. First, the IT magazine “Golem” reports.
For owners of these devices, this means that Apple neither offers repairs nor provides replacement parts for them. The move follows Apple’s usual practice of deprecating products seven years after they end on sale. In addition to the two cult iPods, the iPhone 6 was also added to the list of obsolete devices.
Apple differentiates between “vintage” and “obsolete” products. Devices five years after the end of sales are considered “vintage” and for which limited support is still possible. After seven years they will be deemed “obsolete,” meaning the end of all official support.
What this means for users is that defective devices in the affected models can no longer be repaired in the Apple Store. Even third-party providers who rely on original spare parts are often no longer able to provide help. Owners now have to look for alternatives or consider their devices as collector’s items.
Despite the official end of support, there is still an active fan community that takes care of and repairs old iPods. In some circles there is even a trend back to the iPod.
In addition to the iPods and iPhone 6 mentioned, Apple has added other products to its “Vintage” and “Obsolete” lists. The 6th generation iPad and 12-inch MacBook from 2017 are now also considered “vintage.” Only limited repairs are possible for these devices, provided spare parts are available.
The only member of the iPod family that is not yet considered “obsolete” is the iPod touch. Its final generation is expected to reach this status in 2029, which will mark the final end of the iPod era.