Apple has recently classified the original Apple Watch as obsolete, according to an internal memo received by Apple Store employees. This move means that the smartwatch will no longer be eligible for official repairs, as Apple has decided to stop providing parts for obsolete products.
The concept of vintage and obsolete products is not new to Apple. Vintage products are those that haven’t been sold for more than five years, while obsolete products haven’t been distributed for more than seven years. Unfortunately for original Apple Watch owners, their beloved device falls into the latter category.
Although this news hasn’t been updated on Apple’s website yet, employees at Apple Stores have already been informed. This means customers who own the first-generation Apple Watch will need to explore alternate options for repairing their devices if something goes wrong.
The original Apple Watch was released back in 2015 and saw major success in the market. However, it eventually made way for its successor, the Apple Watch Series 1, in 2016. While the Series 1 featured a faster chip, it lacked certain features that the original Apple Watch had, such as a brighter display, built-in GPS, and improved water resistance.
Furthermore, in 2018, the original Apple Watch stopped receiving software updates and can only be updated to watchOS 4. This means users may miss out on the latest features and improvements introduced by Apple in later versions of the operating system.
Customers who own the expensive gold version of the original Apple Watch may face even greater challenges. Since Apple will no longer provide repairs for obsolete products, owners of the gold Apple Watch may find it difficult to get their device fixed if it stops working.
For those interested in purchasing a new Apple Watch, it is advised to check out deals on popular e-commerce platforms like Amazon. There, customers can find a wide range of options and potentially attractive discounts on newer models of the smartwatch.
As technology continues to evolve, it is not uncommon for companies like Apple to discontinue support and repairs for older devices. While it may be disappointing for some, it also presents an opportunity for users to explore the latest advancements in the market and upgrade their devices accordingly.
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