Apple Says 11-Inch MacBook Air and Two Other Macs Are Now Obsolete

Reflecting on a Legacy: Apple Declares 2015 MacBook Air and 2017 MacBook Pros Obsolete

In a recent announcement that marks the passage of time for many Apple enthusiasts, three iconic Mac models have officially been added to Apple's "obsolete" product list. This designation means that these devices are no longer eligible for hardware service from Apple or Apple service providers, and parts may not be available. The models in question are the MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015), the MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, 4 Thunderbolt 3 Ports), and the MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017). While this news might bring a touch of nostalgia, it’s a natural part of the tech lifecycle. Let's take a look back at what made these machines stand out and what this obsolescence means for their users.

Key Takeaways

• The 11-inch MacBook Air (Early 2015) epitomized ultra-portability and solid battery life, making it a favorite for on-the-go productivity.
• The 2017 MacBook Pro models introduced advanced Thunderbolt 3 connectivity and the innovative Touch Bar, pushing performance and design boundaries for professionals.
• These devices were benchmarks in their respective categories, offering a premium Apple experience with robust build quality and integration into the powerful macOS ecosystem.

Features

These Macs represented peak innovation and design during their respective releases:

• MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015): This model was the culmination of Apple's ultra-portable vision for the Air line. It featured a 1.6 GHz Intel Core i5 processor (configurable up to 2.2 GHz i7), Intel HD Graphics 6000, and a respectable 9-hour battery life. Its iconic wedge design, MagSafe 2 power port, two USB 3.0 ports, and a Thunderbolt 2 port made it a versatile workhorse for its size.
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, 4 Thunderbolt 3 Ports): Part of the "Touch Bar" generation, this 13-inch model was a significant redesign. It boasted Kaby Lake Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, up to 16GB RAM, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650. Its most defining features were the brilliant Retina display, the multi-touch enabled Touch Bar with Touch ID, and four versatile Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, offering incredible data transfer speeds and charging capabilities.
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017): The powerhouse of the 2017 lineup, this 15-inch variant offered quad-core Intel Core i7 processors, up to 16GB RAM, and dedicated AMD Radeon Pro 555 or 560 graphics with up to 4GB of GDDR5 memory. It shared the same Retina display, Touch Bar with Touch ID, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports as its 13-inch sibling, but delivered superior performance for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.

Pros

During their prime, these machines offered compelling advantages:

• Portability & Design: The 11-inch MacBook Air was unparalleled in its size and weight, while the 2017 MacBook Pros introduced a sleeker, more modern design.
• Performance for Their Era: The Air handled everyday tasks with ease, and the Pro models delivered robust performance for creative professionals.
• Display Quality: The Retina displays on the MacBook Pros set a high standard for laptop screens.
• Connectivity (Pro models): Thunderbolt 3 offered incredible bandwidth, though it also necessitated new adapters for many users.
• Build Quality: Apple's signature aluminum unibody design ensured durability and a premium feel.
• macOS Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and a robust software experience.

Cons

No product is without its drawbacks, and these Macs had their share:

• Aging Air Display: The MacBook Air's lower-resolution non-Retina display became a noticeable limitation as competitors caught up.
• Butterfly Keyboard (Pro models): The 2017 MacBook Pros featured the controversial butterfly switch keyboard, known for reliability issues and a shallow typing experience. Apple later implemented an extended repair program for these keyboards.
• Dongle Life (Pro models): The switch to exclusively Thunderbolt 3 ports on the Pros meant many users needed adapters for legacy peripherals.
• Repairability: Apple devices, particularly these models, were notoriously difficult to repair due to proprietary screws and glued components.
• Thermal Throttling (15-inch Pro): The powerful 15-inch model could sometimes experience thermal throttling under sustained heavy loads.

Verdict

The designation of these models as "obsolete" marks the end of their official support lifecycle. For current owners, this means that Apple and its authorized service providers will no longer offer parts or service for these specific machines. While they might continue to function, finding official repairs for hardware failures will become increasingly difficult or impossible. This doesn't mean they immediately stop working, but their longevity is now entirely in the hands of third-party repair shops and the availability of aftermarket parts.

For those considering purchasing one of these models second-hand, it's crucial to understand the implications. While they might be available at very low prices, the lack of official support for potential hardware issues, combined with their aging hardware (especially the Air's processor and screen), makes them a risky investment for anything beyond very basic, non-critical tasks. Modern operating systems and applications will also become increasingly demanding on their hardware over time. For more information on Apple's vintage and obsolete products, you can refer to their official support page.

FAQ

1. What does "obsolete" mean for my Apple device?
   When Apple declares a product "obsolete," it means that all hardware service is discontinued. Apple and its service providers will no longer offer repairs, parts, or technical support for that specific model.
2. Can I still use an obsolete MacBook?
   Yes, your obsolete MacBook will continue to function as long as its hardware holds up. However, you will not receive official hardware support, and future macOS updates may eventually stop supporting your model, limiting your access to new features and security patches.
3. Should I buy an obsolete MacBook model today?
   Generally, it's not recommended. While the initial purchase price might be appealing, the lack of official support for hardware issues, the aging internal components, and the eventual end of software support make them a risky long-term investment. Consider a newer model for better performance, security, and longevity.
4. What are current alternatives to these now-obsolete MacBook models?
   For a modern equivalent to the portability of the 11-inch Air, consider the current MacBook Air with Apple silicon (M1 or M2/M3). For the performance of the Pro models, the MacBook Pro with M-series chips offers vastly superior power, efficiency, and battery life, addressing many of the past generation's drawbacks. You can find reviews of various modern laptops in our Tech Reviews section.

Conclusion

The obsolescence of the Early 2015 11-inch MacBook Air and the 2017 MacBook Pros marks the end of an era for some beloved machines. These devices played a significant role in Apple's laptop lineage, showcasing advancements in design, performance, and connectivity that paved the way for today's M-series Macs. While it's sad to see them transition out of active support, their legacy lives on in the design principles and technological innovations that continue to define Apple's product line. For owners, the key is to understand the implications and plan accordingly, perhaps looking towards an upgrade to harness the full power of modern computing.