Apple’s product lifecycle is something every iPhone and Apple Watch owner eventually encounters. On September 2025, Apple officially added the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the Apple Watch Series 3 to its vintage products list. This update immediately sparked discussions across tech communities: What does vintage mean? Does my device still work? Should I upgrade?
If you own one of these devices—or you’re just curious about how Apple manages its product ecosystem—this guide will break down everything you need to know.
We’ll explain what “vintage” means, how it affects repairs, what software updates you can expect, and whether it’s time to consider upgrading.
What Does “Vintage” Mean at Apple?
Apple uses two key terms to categorize older devices: Vintage and Obsolete.
- Vintage Products:
Devices that were discontinued more than 5 years but less than 7 years ago. Apple may still offer limited repairs, but availability of parts is not guaranteed. - Obsolete Products:
Devices discontinued 7+ years ago. Apple no longer provides hardware service, and repair parts are typically unavailable through official channels.
👉 In short: Vintage = Limited Support; Obsolete = No Support.
Why Did iPhone 11 Pro Max & Apple Watch Series 3 Become Vintage?
📱 iPhone 11 Pro Max
- Launched: September 2019
- Discontinued: October 2020 (when iPhone 12 launched)
- Now: 5 years later → qualifies as vintage
⌚ Apple Watch Series 3
- Launched: September 2017
- Discontinued: September 2022
- Now: 5+ years old → added to vintage list
The iPhone 11 Pro Max, with its triple-lens camera and Super Retina XDR display, was a flagship model. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 3 was Apple’s first watch to support LTE, a breakthrough at the time.
Both devices had long, successful runs but are now officially classified as vintage.
Can You Still Use These Devices in 2025?
Yes—but with limitations.
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- Still runs iOS 26 (the latest at time of writing).
- Likely to receive 1 more major iOS update before support ends.
- Performance remains solid, though battery degradation may be noticeable.
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Stopped receiving watchOS updates after watchOS 8.
- Still usable for fitness tracking, notifications, and basic apps.
- Limited compatibility with new iPhone features.
In other words: the iPhone 11 Pro Max still has life left, while the Series 3 is mostly outdated but usable as a secondary device.
Repair & Service Options for Vintage Devices
If your iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple Watch Series 3 breaks down, here’s what to expect:
- Apple Stores and Authorized Service Providers may still repair them, but parts aren’t guaranteed.
- Repairs depend on available inventory. Once parts run out, repairs stop.
- Battery replacements may still be available for the iPhone 11 Pro Max, but harder to find for the Series 3.
⚠️ Pro Tip: If you rely heavily on either device, now is a good time to consider a backup plan (upgrade or third-party repair).
Should You Upgrade or Keep Using These Devices?
Keep Using If:
- Your iPhone 11 Pro Max still performs well.
- Battery health is above 80%.
- You don’t need the latest iOS features.
Upgrade If:
- Your device has hardware issues.
- You want better camera, performance, or 5G support.
- You’re using an Apple Watch Series 3 as your primary watch (consider Series 10 or Ultra).
Verdict:
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is still fine in 2025, but the Series 3 is ready for retirement.
Apple’s Vintage & Obsolete Timeline: What’s Next?
Which devices are likely next on the vintage list?
- iPhone 11 Pro (not Max) → Expected 2026
- iPhone SE (2nd gen) → Likely 2027
- Apple Watch Series 4 → Likely 2026
This lifecycle is predictable: most iPhones and Apple Watches last 5–6 years before hitting vintage status.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple Watch Series 3 are now officially vintage products.
- Vintage = limited repair support, but still usable for now.
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max remains a capable device in 2025.
- The Apple Watch Series 3, however, is better as a backup or collector’s piece.
- ⚠️ If you experience serious hardware issues, contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between vintage and obsolete Apple products?
Vintage devices are 5–7 years old with limited repair options. Obsolete devices are 7+ years old and no longer supported.
2. Can Apple still repair the iPhone 11 Pro Max now that it’s vintage?
Yes, but only if parts are available. Repairs are not guaranteed.
3. Will iPhone 11 Pro Max still get iOS updates?
Yes, it currently runs iOS 26 and may receive at least one more update.
4. Why isn’t the iPhone 11 Pro vintage yet?
It was discontinued later than the Pro Max, so it hasn’t reached the 5-year threshold.
5. Should I upgrade my iPhone 11 Pro Max in 2025?
If it still works well, you can keep using it. But if battery or performance is an issue, upgrading makes sense.
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