Apple declares iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone XS Max as "obsolete," signaling the end of an era for older iPhones?

Apple declares iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone XS Max as "obsolete," signaling the end of an era for older iPhones?While Apple's newest iPhone 16 series has been released, many users still rely on older models. The iPhone XS Max, in particular, has enjoyed a nostalgic resurgence, even being lauded as a "photography powerhouse

Apple declares iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone XS Max as "obsolete," signaling the end of an era for older iPhones?

While Apple's newest iPhone 16 series has been released, many users still rely on older models. The iPhone XS Max, in particular, has enjoyed a nostalgic resurgence, even being lauded as a "photography powerhouse." However, Apple recently updated its "Obsolete and Vintage Products" list, adding both the iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone XS Max to the "obsolete" category. This move marks the official end of the lifecycle for these classic models and sparks discussion regarding future service for older iPhones.

Apple typically designates products as "obsolete" 5 to 7 years after they are discontinued. For devices listed as obsolete, Apple Stores and authorized service providers may still offer hardware support, but availability depends on parts supply. Currently, the smaller iPhone 6s and iPhone XS aren't on the obsolete list, but this doesn't guarantee their continued support indefinitely. It's worth noting that the 32GB versions of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus were previously listed as "vintage."

"Vintage" products are those discontinued for over 7 years, for which Apple no longer provides any hardware service. However, Apple makes an exception for MacBooks, offering battery service for up to 10 years after the last sale, again subject to parts availability.

Let's revisit these iconic Apple models: the iPhone XS Max, released in September 2018, was the first to feature a large notched display, Face ID, and 3D Touch. Its larger screen offered a higher screen-to-body ratio than the iPhone X and iPhone XS. Furthermore, the China-market iPhone XS Max included dual SIM functionality, enhancing its practicality.

In recent years, the iPhone XS series gained popularity for its unique photographic capabilities, earning the title of "photography powerhouse." This is largely attributed to its image processing system, which predates Deep Fusion, resulting in a distinctive, slightly soft (or some might say "blurred") aesthetic. Its Live Photo feature further enhanced the interactive nature of photos. Despite being over six years old, the iPhone XS Max is still upgradeable to this year's iOS 18, though it's expected to be unsupported by next year's iOS 19.

The iPhone 6s Plus, released earlier in September 2015, was Apple's first phone with 3D Touch, which allowed for pressure-sensitive controls. Apple later discontinued this feature, replacing the pressure-sensitive interactions with long presses.

The obsolescence declaration for these two models highlights the evolution of Apple's product lifecycle and the rapid pace of technological innovation. It serves as a reminder for users to update their devices and provides insight into Apple's balancing act between product maintenance and technological advancement.

Next, let's turn our attention to the upcoming iPhone SE 4. Leaks suggest it will feature a 6.06-inch display with a notch, Face ID (replacing the Touch ID Home button), but will lack Dynamic Island.

This new model is expected to boast a 6.06-inch OLED panel with a 1170x2532 pixel resolution. It will have a single 48MP rear camera and a 12MP front-facing camera, without ultrawide or telephoto lenses. Apple might advertise 2x optical zoom capabilities.

Significantly, the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to use the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16 series, coupled with 8GB of RAM and a new Apple Intelligence feature. This suggests Apple's intention to bring high-end chip technology to a more affordable model, aiming to enhance overall performance and user experience.

Reports suggest the iPhone SE 4 will be priced around RMB 3000, maintaining price competitiveness within the iPhone SE lineup. Furthermore, sources indicate the camera module is undergoing pre-production testing. Based on this information, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch around March 2025.

In conclusion, Apple's listing of the iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone XS Max as "obsolete" marks the end of an era for these classic models. While older iPhones retain a loyal user base, continuous technological advancements and Apple's product lifecycle management drive users towards newer models. The upcoming iPhone SE 4 demonstrates Apple's efforts to balance performance and price, offering consumers more options. This new release also foreshadows a new chapter in Apple's technological and market strategies. From the obsolescence of the iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone XS Max to the impending release of the iPhone SE 4, we witness Apple's approach to balancing the maintenance of older products with the innovation of new ones. This is not only a microcosm of Apple's developmental journey but also reflects the ever-evolving trends within the technology industry. Each Apple product update significantly impacts the market landscape, guiding consumer habits and technological trends. We eagerly await the iPhone SE 4's launch, anticipating whether it can continue the success of the iPhone SE series and secure its market position. For users still clinging to their iPhone 6s Plus or iPhone XS Max, it might be time to consider upgrading for better performance and more comprehensive service. After all, technological progress is relentless, and older devices inevitably fade into history. As technology advances and user needs evolve, Apple continually adjusts its product strategy to meet market demands. This presents both challenges and opportunities; Apple's continued leadership will depend on future product innovation and market strategy. We look forward to seeing more groundbreaking products and technologies from Apple in the future.