These iMac Models Will Soon Officially Become ‘Vintage and Obsolete’

Within the next few weeks, Apple will add both 21.5- and 27-inch variants of its first-generation “super-slim” iMac (Late-2012) to its registry of Vintage and Obsolete products.

The news was disclosed earlier this month via an internal memo distributed to Apple Authorized Service Providers, specifying the transition will take-effect January 30, 2019.

“Vintage products”, according to Apple, are those the company has not manufactured within the last five years, which would constitute devices like the iPhone 4s (2011) and iPad 3 with Retina Display (2012), among others, at this point. 

Back in January of last year, Apple launched its Vintage and Obsolete Products pilot program covering these products and more, like its MacBook Air and Mac Pro (Mid-2012), and MacBook Pro (Mid-2012 and Early-2013), offering extended coverage options when and where parts are available.

Typically, these products are “no longer eligible for repairs or replacement parts from Apple or Apple Authorized Service Providers,” however the pilot program, come January 30th, will effectively make all variants of the Late-2012 iMac eligible for similar extended service coverage, through January 30, 2021, subject to location and parts availability.