El first generation iPhone SEThe compact model introduced in 2016, which won over many users with its small size and good performance, has officially joined the list of obsolete Apple productsFrom now on, the company will no longer offer hardware repairs and original parts for this phone through its authorized service centers worldwide, including in [location missing]. Spain and the rest of Europe.
This decision marks the end of the official support for a device that for years was the most affordable option in Cupertino's catalog. Although the Original iPhone SE It had been a while since it had received new versions of iOS; the change in status means that even if a physical component breaks down, Suppliers will no longer be able to order replacement parts from Apple.except in very exceptional cases where there is still an extended warranty in force.
What does it mean that the first iPhone SE is obsolete?
Within the company's global support policy, a product is considered obsolete when more than seven years have passed since it was officially discontinued at Apple Stores and authorized resellers. From that point on, Apple completely discontinues hardware services and blocks requests for replacement parts through its technical network.
In practice, this means that, for the first generation iPhone SEIt will no longer be possible to go to an authorized service in Spain or any other European country to change battery, replace the screen or repair the camera using original components. If the device malfunctions, the company will not offer official solutions.beyond recommending a change to a newer device.
Apple maintains a clear distinction between "vintage" and obsolete devices. Vintage models are those that stopped being sold more than five years ago but less than seven.And in some cases, they may still receive certain repairs or minor updates. Obsolete models, however, are completely excluded from the brand's support network.
On its support portal, the company explains that, once a device reaches the obsolete category, Neither hardware services nor parts supplies are offered anymoreAuthorized repair centers must refuse any official intervention on these models. Obsolescence, therefore, does not depend on the condition of the device or whether it still works, but solely on the time elapsed since its withdrawal from the market.
What was the original iPhone SE like and why did it mark an era?
El first iPhone SE It was introduced in March 2016 as a kind of hybrid: it inherited the design of the iPhone 5s, with its recognizable 4-inch casing, but incorporated the powerful A9 chip and the M9 coprocessor used in the iPhone 6s. This combination made it a small, lightweight, and quite capable phone for its time.
As for the design, Apple offered it in several colors: silver, gold, space gray, and rose goldIts dimensions were very compact by today's standards: 123,8 mm high, 58,6 mm wide, and 7,6 mm thick, weighing a mere 113 grams. This compact format allowed many users to continue using their phones with one hand, something that was becoming less common with the arrival of increasingly larger screens.
The screen was a panel. 4-inch Retina LCD With a resolution of 1136 x 640 pixels at 326 ppi, a maximum brightness of approximately 500 nits, and an oleophobic coating to reduce fingerprints, it didn't boast anything particularly impressive compared to later models, but it offered sufficient quality for everyday use and good readability indoors.
In the photographic section, the phone was equipped with a 12 megapixel rear camera with f / 2.2 apertureTrue Tone flash, Focus Pixels autofocus, Live Photos, panorama mode, and automatic image stabilization. It was capable of record video in 4K resolutionIn addition to various high-definition modes with digital zoom, it was then very competitive within the iPhone range.
In terms of storage, the iPhone SE was launched in versions of 16, 32, 64 and 128 GBThis allowed the price to be adjusted according to each user's needs. Its battery offered an estimated autonomy of up to 13 hours of video playback and around 50 hours of audio, figures that, while not spectacular, were more than sufficient for many everyday uses.
Other iPhones that are already classified as obsolete
The entrance of Original iPhone SE Apple's list of obsolete products doesn't come alone. Within the company's phone catalog, numerous models are listed as obsolete, having been off the market for years and no longer receiving any official support.
Amongst the iPhones considered obsolete The company includes:
- iPhone (original model)
- iPhone 3G (mainland China) 8 GB
- iPhone 3G with 8GB and 16GB
- iPhone 3GS (Mainland China) 16GB and 32GB
- iPhone 3GS 8GB
- iPhone 3GS 16GB and 32GB
- iPhone 4CDMA
- iPhone 4 CDMA 8GB
- iPhone 4 with 16 GB and 32 GB
- iPhone 4 GSM 8GB in black
- iPhone 4S, including the 8GB versions
- iPhone 5C
- iPhone 5S
- iPhone 6
- 6 iPhone Plus
- 32GB iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus 32GB
- iPhone SE (XNUMXst generation)
In addition to these models, Apple notes that Other, more recent iPhones are in the "vintage" product category.such as the iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone XS, or even certain versions of the iPhone 11 Pro Max. These devices still maintain a limited level of compatibility with services and repairs, although their support horizon is also getting closer to ending.
iPad, Mac and Apple Watch also become obsolete
The change of status of Original iPhone SE It comes accompanied by a broader update to the list of unsupported products. Apple includes in this category not only phones, but also several models of iPad, MacBook Pro and Apple Watch that no longer meet the seniority requirements to receive official repairs.
Amongst the iPads marked as obsolete are:
- iPad Wi-Fi + 4G, CDMA version
- iPad Wi-Fi + 4G, GSM version
- iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi
- iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
- 12,9-inch iPad Pro with Wi-Fi
- 12,9-inch iPad Pro with Wi-Fi and cellular data
- 12,9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation) Wi-Fi
- 12,9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
In the field of laptops, several 17-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro They have also been permanently moved to the list of unsupported products. These include:
- 17-inch MacBook Pro (late 2008)
- 17-inch MacBook Pro (early 2009)
- 17-inch MacBook Pro (Mid 2009)
- 17-inch MacBook Pro (Mid 2010)
- 13-inch MacBook Pro (late 2011)
- 15-inch MacBook Pro (late 2011)
The list is completed with the early Apple Watch modelswhich have also reached the end of their official useful life. Specifically, they are considered obsolete:
- Apple Watch Sport (1st generation), 38 mm
- Apple Watch Sport (1st generation), 42 mm
- Apple Watch Stainless Steel (1st Generation), 38mm
- Apple Watch Stainless Steel (1st Generation), 42mm
In some markets, special editions have also been included, such as Nike and Hermès versions of certain Apple Watch series...in addition to specific iPad Pro models. In any case, the same rule applies to all of them: once classified as obsolete, It is no longer possible to repair them with official parts, either at Apple or its network of suppliers..
Why Apple is relegating its devices to the obsolete category
The decision to move a product to the obsolete list is not improvised, but rather part of the Apple's lifecycle management policyThe company maintains hardware and software support for a specified period of years, and when the set threshold is exceeded, it moves the model to a new category to free up resources.
As the company itself explains on its support website, Declaring a piece of equipment as obsolete allows you to focus your efforts on newer devices.This applies both to the development of new features and the availability of spare parts and technical support. Maintaining an inventory of parts for very old models increases costs and complicates the logistics of repair services.
In the software realm, something similar occurs with versions of iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS. The first-generation iPhone SE stopped receiving major iOS updates a long time ago.This means it doesn't have access to the latest security features or system updates. Changing it to obsolete now completes that process on the hardware side as well.
This approach is not without its critics, especially from those who prefer to maximize the lifespan of their devices. However, from the company's perspective, Reducing the number of active models simplifies global support and speeds up repairs for the latest equipmentwhich are also the most present in the market.
In the specific case of Beats products manufactured by Monster, Apple also points out that they are considered obsolete. regardless of the acquisition dateThis reinforces the idea that the key criterion is the production cycle and not so much the moment when the user bought the device.
What happens if you're still using a first-generation iPhone SE?
For those who still have a Original iPhone SE While the device is operational, the change in category doesn't mean the phone will stop turning on, far from it. As long as the device remains functional, it can be used for calls, messaging, basic web browsing, and access to compatible applications with its version of iOS.
The main problem appears on two fronts: safety and repairsSince it no longer receives security patches or system updates, the phone becomes less suitable for sensitive operations such as online banking, online shopping, or managing important personal accounts. Furthermore, if a hardware failure occurs, finding original replacement parts and official repairs will be difficult.
Even so, this model remains very valid as secondary or support deviceIt can be repurposed as an emergency phone, travel phone, or music and video player, reducing the workload on the main smartphone. For many households, it can also be a good option as a first mobile phone for children or for people who only need very basic functions.
Among the possible alternative uses, the iPhone SE can become a home security camera or a baby monitor using specific applications, on a small digital reader for apps like Kindle or Apple Books, or even on a kind of wireless "pen drive" using AirDrop to move photos, videos and documents between devices.
Another interesting possibility is to use it as remote control for Apple TV or as a dedicated video calling device, as long as the apps remain compatible with the installed iOS version. This way, even though its official lifespan has ended, it can still be a practical tool for everyday use.
A new era for more traditional iPhone users
The entrance of first iPhone SE on the obsolete list It symbolizes more than just a simple change in administrative category: it marks the end of an era for those who opted for a compact, affordable phone with enough power to last for several years. Many users in Spain and the rest of Europe have continued to use this model until today precisely because of these characteristics.
From now on, those who still rely on this device as their main mobile phone will face the decision of continue using it with the current limitations o make the leap to another generation of iPhone SE Or upgrade to a newer model, whether it's another generation of iPhone SE or any other supported iPhone. For those who keep it as a secondary phone, it will continue to be useful for specific tasks.
The updated list of obsolete products makes it clear that Apple continues to make progress in renewing its catalog. Historical phones, several iPad models, various MacBook Pros, and the first Apple Watches They are definitively relegated to the category of devices without official support, while the company focuses its resources on its newer ranges and the services associated with them.
