Original MacDigest illustration of the 12-inch 2017 MacBook, sixth-generation iPad and BeatsX, now listed by Apple as obsolete. Apple ends standard hardware service for obsolete products; a Mac-laptop battery-only exception may apply, subject to parts availability.
Apple now lists the MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017), sixth-generation iPad in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions, and BeatsX as obsolete worldwide. For owners, the change narrows the options for getting hardware repaired through Apple.
What changes for repairs
Apple classifies products as obsolete more than seven years after it last distributed them for sale. It ends hardware service, and service providers can no longer order parts. A limited Mac-laptop battery exception remains, while Apple’s broader policy also recognizes longer service where required by law.
The classification concerns repair eligibility. It does not disable a working device or announce a new cutoff for macOS or iPadOS updates.
The MacBook battery exception
Mac laptops may qualify for battery-only repairs for up to 10 years after Apple last distributed the product, depending on parts availability. This is measured from distribution ending, rather than an owner’s purchase date. It is not a guarantee that a particular MacBook can be repaired.
Before arranging a visit, ask Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to check eligibility and parts for the specific battery job. Do not assume this exception covers a keyboard, display or logic board. If you already have a repair booked, check its status with the provider.
Identify the model first
On a Mac, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu and match the name against Apple’s MacBook identification guide. The 2017 12-inch model has the identifier MacBook10,1.
For the sixth-generation iPad, Apple’s guide lists A1893 for Wi-Fi and A1954 for Wi-Fi + Cellular. Those model numbers appear on the back cover, which helps distinguish these tablets from other generations that look similar.
