Apple declares another iconic device 'obsolete' leaving owners in a tricky position

Apple have declared another one of their classic products 'obsolete' leaving fans deeply unhappy.

Yesterday (Tuesday October 8) Apple extended their ever-growing list of 'obsolete' products and even though they're known for frequent releases and updates, this one hit fans hard.

If you own one of the devices on this dreaded list, it's bad news.

Being on this list means the device is no longer eligible for repair at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. The only exception to this tough rule is MacBook battery replacements for up to a 10-year period.

Steve Jobs introduced the iPod nano back in September 2005 (David Paul Morris / Stringer / Getty)

Reported by MacRumours, Apple have now added the iconic iPod nano and iPod shuffle to this graveyard of tech tools.

First launched back in January 2005, the iPod shuffle was a revolutionary product for music-lovers, enabling them to take their favourite tunes on the road with them through this tiny little device. Later that year came the fan-favourite iPod nano.

Although it was released almost 20 years ago, Apple have upgraded both the nano and the shuffle much more recently, with new colour options for the seventh generations being released in 2015.

Despite fan appreciation of the product, Apple discontinued both devices in 2017, likely thanks to the rise of music apps like Spotify and of course Apple Music which we can now access so easily from our phones (or iPhones).

You might be wondering what makes a product 'obsolete'. Apple consider a product obsolete once it passes seven years since its last distribution.

These nostalgic iPods weren't the only product fans were grieving yesterday as the iPhone 6 was also added to the 'obsolete' list, just six months after the iPhone 6 Plus was added back in April.

The iconic iPod shuffle was introduced by Apple in January 2005 (Justin Sullivan / Staff / Getty)

Apple's 'vintage' list also expanded yesterday, which is when a product hasn't distributed it for sale in five years, adding the 2017 model of the 12-inch MacBook and the sixth-generation iPad.

Lucky for owners of vintage products, Apple may repair your device, but only if the parts needed are available.

Apple's vintage and obsolete product lists are vast at this point, particularly because the tech giant release so many versions of their iconic products.

You can find the full lists on their website, including information about getting a service and parts for devices after your warranty has expired.

Apple have created a lot of noise this year for their new releases as well as obsolete products, launching the iPhone 16 and announcing the new iOS 18 that promises to transform how you use your iPhone.