Launched in 2019, the iPhone 11 Pro Max was Apple’s first model to feature a triple-lens rear camera system. Alongside the smaller iPhone 11 Pro, it marked the beginning of the "Pro" era for iPhones.

This model also represented a major shift in Apple’s product naming strategy for its premium devices. However, over half a decade later, the device has now been officially designated as “vintage.”

According to Apple’s policy, a product is classified as “vintage” when it has been out of distribution for more than five years but less than seven.

During this period, Apple and its authorized service providers still offer repair and parts replacement services - provided that the necessary components are available.

At the same time, the Apple Watch Series 3, which debuted in 2017, has also been added to the vintage list.

It was the first Apple Watch to support cellular connectivity and featured a barometric altimeter for tracking elevation changes.

Despite being released eight years ago, the Apple Watch Series 3 remained available as a budget-friendly option until it was officially discontinued in 2022.

Currently, owners of the iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple Watch Series 3 can still bring their devices to Apple Stores or authorized service centers for repairs - as long as replacement parts are still supplied.

However, once these products reach the seven-year mark post-discontinuation, Apple will reclassify them as “obsolete.” At that point, the company will cease offering any repair or replacement services.

This means both the iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple Watch Series 3 have approximately two years remaining before they reach the obsolete threshold. For many users, this serves as a reminder of the life cycle of tech devices: from flagship products to mainstream choices, and eventually, to retirement from Apple’s official ecosystem.

Nevertheless, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is still remembered as a milestone in mobile photography, while the Apple Watch Series 3 brought Apple’s smartwatch closer to becoming a standalone device rather than just an iPhone accessory.

Their inclusion on the vintage list underscores the rapid pace of innovation in both Apple’s product line and the broader tech industry. While newer models focus on AI integration, powerful processors, and advanced health sensors, once-groundbreaking devices like these now find their place in Apple’s “memory drawer.”

Hai Phong