Released in 2012, the 7.9-inch iPad mini was a game-changer. With years of support, the original iPad mini has been added to the list of vintage and obsolete devices list by Apple.
Back in November 2012, when Apple released its iPad mini series with the original iPad mini, also known as iPad mini 1, Apple wanted it’s users to find more uses with the new iPad. It had a 7.9-inch form factor with a lowered price when compared to other iPads. The small size and lower price made it the favorite iPad for many users.
Apple released the iPad mini 2 in 2013 with a Retina Display and improved hardware but continued sales of original iPad mini until 2015. The original iPad is now in the vintage section, which means its hardware had not been manufactured for more than five years. Products which are discontinued for more than seven years are considered as “obsolete.”
Being in the vintage category does not mean it cannot be serviced. It can be serviced at the Apple Stores’ Genius Bar and other Apple Authorized Service Providers if they have the parts in stock.
A part from the original iPad mini, Apple also added of the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Airs and the mid-2014 13-inch MacBook Pro to the list of vintage and obsolete products.
