Apple Labels This MacBook Pro as a ‘Vintage Product’: Discover What It Means
Apple has classified the 2017 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar as “vintage.” This designation means that Apple will no longer offer official repairs or updates for this particular model through its authorized service providers or Apple Stores.
While the 2017 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is still functional, its “vintage” status means that it has reached a point in its lifecycle where it’s no longer actively supported or serviced by Apple. Users with this model who encounter issues or require repairs may need to seek third-party repair services or consider upgrading to a newer MacBook model for continued support and access to the latest features and improvements.
In July 2019, Apple introduced a new version of the MacBook Pro that replaced the 2017 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. The 2019 MacBook Pro featured several significant updates, including the replacement of the controversial butterfly keyboard mechanism with the more reliable Magic Keyboard, which was well-received by users. The Touch Bar was also enlarged in this model.
Subsequently, Apple made further changes to its MacBook lineup, and the Touch Bar was eventually phased out. In November 2021, Apple announced the MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, which marked the return of function keys in place of the Touch Bar. This decision was met with approval from users who preferred the traditional function keys for various tasks.
Apple has decided to discontinue human assistance for user queries on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, as well as its online forum, starting October 1. Instead of receiving responses from human support advisors, users will be directed to automated responses that guide them to the Apple help center. This move comes as Apple prepares for the launch of its iPhone 15 series on September 12.
According to a report from MacRumors, Apple plans to eliminate its social media support advisor positions on platforms like X, YouTube, and the Apple Support Community forum, beginning October 1. Consequently, users seeking assistance on these platforms will receive automated responses redirecting them to alternative avenues to reach Apple’s customer support.
This decision could impact potentially hundreds of employees working in these roles, although Apple is offering some of them the opportunity to transition to phone-based support positions within the company, with training expected to be completed by November. However, employees can only shift to different chat-based support roles if they have medical reasons, as outlined in the report. Apple initiated customer support on platform X in 2016, using it to provide product tips and address user inquiries.
According to Apple’s support page, products fall into the vintage category if they were discontinued for sale over 5 but less than 7 years ago. Importantly, this classification doesn’t suggest that the device is no longer functional; instead, it signifies that regular updates and repair services are no longer provided by Apple. While the device continues to work, its lifespan may be affected due to the absence of regular software updates and official repair support.
Apple offers a word of caution to users of vintage devices, noting that they should not expect any further software upgrades for these products. Although there remains a possibility that Apple could release an older macOS version that is compatible with the 2017 MacBook Pro, this is far from guaranteed. In essence, users of vintage Apple products may have to continue using older software versions and may not benefit from the latest features, security updates, or bug fixes provided in newer macOS releases.
Reports suggest that Apple is gearing up for a substantial revamp of its iPad Pro lineup in 2024, introducing several significant upgrades. One notable change on the horizon is the introduction of the M3 Apple Silicon chipset, which is expected to bring significant performance enhancements to the tablet range. Additionally, Apple is considering the adoption of OLED displays for these iPad Pro models, which could offer improved visual quality and potentially higher refresh rates compared to current models.
In terms of size, Apple may make some adjustments to the lineup, with the possibility of 11-inch and 13-inch models replacing the current 12.9-inch version. This could provide users with more options to choose from based on their preferences and needs. Furthermore, there are rumors of enhancements to the Magic Keyboard accessory, which could potentially offer an even better typing and productivity experience for iPad Pro users. However, it’s important to note that this information remains unofficial until officially confirmed by Apple.
Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro is part of the company’s efforts to solidify its position in the competitive tablet market. Although the iPad Pro has received incremental improvements in processing power, display quality, and camera capabilities since 2018, tech analyst Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter hints at a significant transformation in the works. This update could potentially be one of the most substantial over the past decade, signaling Apple’s commitment to offering cutting-edge technology and features in its tablets.
While the exact details of this overhaul are not confirmed, the introduction of the M3 Apple Silicon chipset and OLED displays, along with potential changes in size options and improvements to the Magic Keyboard, suggest that Apple is focused on delivering a next-level experience to iPad Pro users. As always, official information from Apple regarding these changes is eagerly awaited by tech enthusiasts and consumers alike.
