Apple Officially Labels iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus as "Obsolete": A Farewell to Legends and a Reflection of Rapid Market Iteration

Apple Officially Labels iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus as "Obsolete": A Farewell to Legends and a Reflection of Rapid Market IterationApple recently updated its official website's "obsolete" product list, adding the notable iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus. Apple defines "obsolete" products as those that have been discontinued for over five years but less than seven

Apple Officially Labels iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus as "Obsolete": A Farewell to Legends and a Reflection of Rapid Market Iteration

Apple recently updated its official website's "obsolete" product list, adding the notable iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus. Apple defines "obsolete" products as those that have been discontinued for over five years but less than seven. This move marks the official exit of these once-popular smartphones from the mainstream market and prompts reflection on the rapid pace of innovation in the mobile phone industry.

The iPhone XS Max, launched in September 2018, was Apple's first model to feature a large-size display with a notch. Its superior screen, powerful A12 Bionic chip, dual-SIM capability, Face ID, and 3D Touch technology garnered significant consumer appeal. Even today, the iPhone XS Max maintains smooth performance, and its exceptional camera capabilities remain impressive. However, with the introduction of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 series, along with fierce technological and market competition, the iPhone XS Max has ultimately been overtaken by time and categorized as "obsolete." This phone undeniably represents a significant milestone in Apple's history, showcasing the peak of its design and technology at the time. Its large screen and high screen-to-body ratio design also influenced the design philosophies of numerous subsequent phone manufacturers.

Compared to the iPhone XS Max, the iPhone 6s Plus boasts a longer history, having been released in September 2015 as Apple's first phone with 3D Touch pressure-sensitive technology. The introduction of 3D Touch was considered a revolutionary advancement in mobile interaction, allowing users to perform different actions with varying levels of pressure, significantly enhancing user experience. Although Apple later abandoned this technology for various reasons, its implementation on the iPhone 6s Plus provided valuable experience for the subsequent evolution of smartphone interaction. The iPhone 6s Plus, with its strong performance, diverse color options, and 3D Touch, also enjoyed widespread global popularity, becoming an indispensable part of Apple's history. It marked Apple's bold experimentation in innovative mobile interaction, and despite the technology's eventual discontinuation, its significance and influence at the time are undeniable.

Apple's strategy regarding product "closure" and "discontinuation" is always cautious and methodical. Each iOS update closes the downgrade path for older versions, ensuring optimal user experience on the latest system. Apple follows a similar strategy for hardware, gradually phasing out older products to make room for new releases. Despite classifying the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus as "obsolete," Apple will still provide repair services for these products for a certain period, demonstrating its commitment to customer responsibility.

However, it's worth considering the increasingly fierce competition and rapid technological iteration in today's mobile phone market. Apple's once-leading A-series chips now face strong challenges from 3nm chips in the Android camp. Android manufacturers have also made significant advancements in fast charging, screen refresh rates, and fingerprint recognition technologies. Features such as 120W wired fast charging, 120Hz refresh rate screens, and ultrasonic fingerprint recognition have become standard in many Android flagship phones. Furthermore, advancements in periscope telephoto lenses, one-inch main cameras, various imaging certifications, and self-developed chips have significantly improved Android phones' imaging capabilities. These technological breakthroughs have undoubtedly intensified market competition, making it easier for once-popular phone models to become obsolete.

The "obsolescence" of the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus is not accidental but a result of technological iteration, changing market demands, and supply chain adjustments. They once represented the pinnacle of Apple's phone technology, leading industry trends. Their departure signifies the rapid pace of technological development in the mobile phone industry.

Although the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus are now "obsolete," they leave an indelible mark on Apple's history, representing its brilliant achievements in phone design and technological innovation. They provided exceptional mobile experiences for countless users and significantly contributed to Apple's brand development. Their retirement is both a reflection of technological advancement and the inevitable result of the evolution of time, fueling our anticipation for future mobile technology. In today's fiercely competitive market, only continuous innovation ensures survival. This is a challenge not only for Apple but also for all mobile phone manufacturers. While Apple faces immense pressure to innovate, its past achievements demonstrate the creation of many stunning products, explaining the brands enduring power.

The "obsolescence" of the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus highlights not only the intense competition in the mobile phone market but also the rapid advancement of technology. As time marches on and products continually update, this reflects both the inevitability of technological progress and the harsh realities of market competition. For consumers, choosing a suitable product is paramount. For mobile phone manufacturers, continuous innovation and improvement of product competitiveness are key to long-term success.