Apple launched their iPhone 5C back in September 2013 and Apple has now added the smartphone to their vintage device list.
What this means is that the handset will now have limited technical support, which is something Apple does with older models.
Vintage products are those that have not been sold for more than 5 and less than 7 years ago. Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple TV vintage products continue to receive hardware service from Apple service providers, including Apple Retail Stores, subject to availability of inventory, or as required by law.
Understanding Apple’s Vintage and Obsolete Categories
Apple categorizes its older devices into two main groups: vintage and obsolete. Vintage products are those that have not been sold for more than five and less than seven years. These devices continue to receive hardware service from Apple service providers, including Apple Retail Stores, subject to the availability of inventory or as required by law. On the other hand, obsolete products are those that were discontinued more than seven years ago. Once a device is classified as obsolete, it no longer receives any hardware service or support from Apple.
The iPhone 5C, which was launched in 2013, has now entered the vintage category. This means that while it will still receive some level of support, the availability of parts and services will be limited. Apple does a pretty good job of supporting its devices, and the iPhone 5C is no exception. The handset is now seven years old, and not many smartphone manufacturers provide full support for their smartphones for this long. The iPhone 5C will be made obsolete in 2022, which will end technical support for the device.
The Legacy of the iPhone 5C
The iPhone 5C was a significant release for Apple, as it marked the company’s first attempt at offering a more affordable iPhone option. The device was available in a variety of vibrant colors, including blue, green, pink, yellow, and white, which was a departure from the more traditional color schemes of previous iPhone models. The iPhone 5C featured a polycarbonate shell, which made it more durable and resistant to scratches compared to the aluminum bodies of other iPhone models.
Despite being a more budget-friendly option, the iPhone 5C still offered many of the same features as the iPhone 5, including a 4-inch Retina display, an 8-megapixel iSight camera, and the A6 chip. The device was well-received by consumers and played a crucial role in expanding Apple’s market reach.
As the iPhone 5C transitions to vintage status, it’s worth reflecting on the impact it had on the smartphone market. The device demonstrated that there was a demand for more affordable, yet still high-quality, smartphones. This realization likely influenced Apple’s decision to release other budget-friendly models in the future, such as the iPhone SE.
The iPhone 5C’s addition to Apple’s vintage device list marks the beginning of the end for this colorful and innovative smartphone. While it will still receive some level of support for the next couple of years, the availability of parts and services will become increasingly limited. The iPhone 5C will be made obsolete in 2022, which will end technical support for the device. Nevertheless, the iPhone 5C will always be remembered as a significant milestone in Apple’s history, showcasing the company’s ability to innovate and adapt to changing market demands.
Source 9 to 5 Mac
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