Introduction
Apple is preparing to categorize the original 12-inch MacBook as a technologically obsolete product, according to an internal memo obtained by MacRumors. This move, scheduled for the end of June, will effectively terminate the official repair services available for the laptop at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers, as the essential components required will no longer be accessible.
Table of Contents
Life Cycle of the 12-Inch MacBook
Apple’s internal protocols dictate a product to be technically obsolete if over seven years have passed since it was last distributed for sale. Having been discontinued in April 2016, the 12-Inch MacBook recently crossed this milestone. This model was introduced back in March 2015, standing out due to its slim and lightweight design. Weighing just two pounds, it marked Apple’s first fanless notebook offering.
Priced starting at $1,299, the original model’s key features comprised a 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core M processor, integrated Intel graphics, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The design incorporated a single USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a novel Force Touch trackpad, and a terraced battery design that enabled a larger battery to be integrated within the slim chassis of the notebook.
The Infamous Butterfly Switch Keyboard
However, this 12-Inch MacBook was also the pioneer model to carry Apple’s infamous butterfly switch keyboard design. This keyboard, known for its susceptibility to failure, endured several years of user complaints and lawsuits before it was eventually phased out from the MacBook lineup. The 12-inch MacBook last received an update in June 2017, before it was officially discontinued in July 2019.
Service and Parts Availability for Out-Of-Warranty Apple Products
Apple provides service and parts for its iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, or Apple TV products for at least 5 years from the last date the product was distributed for sale. Depending on parts availability, this period may extend beyond 5 years or up to 7 years as required by law. Moreover, Mac laptops may also be eligible for an extended battery-only repair period, lasting up to 10 years from the product’s last sale date, again subject to parts availability.
Obsolete Apple Products: What it Means
When Apple refers to a product as obsolete, it means that the product has not been sold for over 7 years. For these obsolete products, all hardware services are discontinued, and service providers can no longer order parts. Notably, some Mac laptops may still qualify for an extended battery-only repair period for up to 10 years from the last sale date, provided that the necessary parts are available.
Conclusion
As of the end of June, the 12-Inch MacBook will join the list of Apple’s obsolete products, marking the end of official repair services for this model. Despite this, the 12-inch MacBook will be remembered for its innovative design features and the introduction of the butterfly switch keyboard, which marked a significant (albeit controversial) moment in the evolution of Apple’s MacBook lineup. The impending obsolescence of the 12-Inch MacBook underscores the relentless pace of technological development and the commitment to innovation and continual advancement that has come to define Apple as a company.
Source : Apple
