In June 2025, Apple marked the end of an era by classifying the iPhone XS as a “vintage” product. Launched in September 2018, the iPhone XS was once Apple’s premium flagship, boasting then-cutting-edge features like Face ID, an A12 Bionic chip, and Super Retina OLED display technology. Now, nearly seven years later, the device enters a new phase of its lifecycle—one that signals diminishing official support and looming obsolescence.
This update may not be surprising for tech-savvy consumers who keep track of Apple’s product timelines, but for millions of users who still use the iPhone XS as their daily driver, it raises important questions: What does “vintage” mean? Is your phone still repairable? Should you upgrade now?
Let’s break down what this transition means and how it could affect your experience going forward.
🍂 What Does “Vintage” Mean in Apple’s Ecosystem?
Apple categorizes older hardware into two distinct classifications: vintage and obsolete. These labels are primarily used to communicate the availability (or lack thereof) of service and support for aging products.
- Vintage Products: These are devices that Apple stopped distributing for sale more than five but less than seven years ago. For these, Apple and its authorized service providers may still offer hardware repairs—but only if spare parts are available.
- Obsolete Products: Devices that have not been sold by Apple for more than seven years fall into this category. Once a product is obsolete, Apple discontinues all hardware services, including repairs, even if spare parts are available.
The iPhone XS, discontinued in September 2019, has now reached the five-year mark since it was pulled from Apple’s retail lineup, making it eligible for the vintage tag. Barring any exceptional extensions, it will become officially obsolete around 2027.
🔧 What This Means for Repairs and Service
Being classified as vintage doesn’t mean your iPhone XS is unusable. In fact, for the next two years, you can still take your device to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) for repairs—battery replacements, display fixes, and more.
However, here’s the catch: support is dependent on parts availability. Apple doesn’t guarantee that all components will be in stock, especially for devices in the vintage phase. If the part you need is no longer manufactured or available in inventory, your repair request might be declined.
After 2027, when the device moves to the obsolete list, even this conditional support will cease. Users will have to turn to third-party repair services or source used parts to keep their phones operational.
🗣️ Reactions from the Apple Community
Unsurprisingly, the news of the iPhone XS going vintage has triggered mixed emotions among users, especially on social media and tech forums.
Many long-time Apple users express frustration at the emotional weight of the term “vintage,” especially for a device that still performs well for everyday use. Some pointed out that their iPhone XS still runs the latest iOS smoothly, handles tasks like banking, photography, and messaging with ease, and offers good battery life.
On the other hand, others are more pragmatic. They acknowledge the predictable nature of Apple’s support cycle. Apple has consistently maintained a 5–7 year window for hardware support, and the XS follows a path already taken by predecessors like the iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone X.
Interestingly, some users have highlighted inconsistencies in Apple’s classification timelines. For instance, the iPhone XS Max, which launched alongside the XS, was marked vintage months earlier, while the iPhone XR (released at the same time) has not yet received the label. These subtle discrepancies raise questions about how Apple applies these classifications.
📊 iPhone XS in Apple’s Support Timeline
To understand this development better, it helps to look at the broader picture of iPhone support over the years. Here’s how some previous models have aged:
- The iPhone X (2017) entered the vintage list in 2024.
- The iPhone 7 Plus and certain iPhone 8 variants became vintage earlier in 2025.
- The iPhone 6S, a fan favorite, went obsolete in 2022, seven years after launch.
From this, it’s clear that Apple’s support window is relatively generous compared to many Android brands. For example, most Android smartphones receive only three to four years of updates and limited repair support thereafter.
🧠 Should You Still Use an iPhone XS in 2025?
Absolutely—if your iPhone XS is still in good shape, there is no urgent need to replace it just because it’s now classified as vintage. However, it’s wise to be aware of what lies ahead:
- Hardware Repairs: You can still get your screen or battery replaced, but availability will shrink over time.
- Software Updates: The iPhone XS currently supports iOS 18, but may not get major iOS upgrades beyond 2025. Expect security patches for a little while longer.
- Performance: With the A12 Bionic chip, the XS still holds up well in day-to-day use, although it may lag behind newer models in demanding tasks like gaming or heavy multitasking.
- Battery Health: If your battery’s maximum capacity is below 80%, consider getting it replaced now—while Apple support is still available.
🔄 When Should You Consider Upgrading?
If you’re starting to experience issues—like performance hiccups, poor battery life, or hardware failures—it might be time to explore newer options. Here are a few upgrade paths to consider:
- iPhone 11: A step-up in camera performance and battery life, and likely to be supported for a few more years.
- iPhone 12 or 13: These models offer 5G support, OLED displays, and better performance. Plus, they’re often available at reduced prices now.
- iPhone 14 or later: If you want the latest tech like Crash Detection, Dynamic Island (on the Pro models), and improved efficiency, newer iPhones may offer a future-proof experience.
If cost is a concern, purchasing a refurbished iPhone 12 or 13 might give you the best of both worlds—modern performance at a lower price.
🛠️ Apple’s Self-Service Repair Program
Apple’s Self-Service Repair program, which was launched to allow users to access genuine Apple parts and tools, is still available for the iPhone XS. However, now that the model is vintage, stock limitations may apply to certain components.
If you’re comfortable with DIY repairs or want to extend your phone’s life independently, this is a good avenue. Just keep in mind that as the XS ages, the availability of parts will dwindle.
🔍 Final Thoughts: Vintage Doesn’t Mean Dead
The iPhone XS being marked as vintage is less of a death sentence and more of a formal milestone in its journey. It reflects Apple’s typical support timeline—not a flaw in the device itself.
If your iPhone XS is still working reliably, supports the apps you use, and doesn’t show major signs of wear, there’s no reason to rush into an upgrade. However, it’s also the right time to start planning ahead. Schedule any necessary repairs soon, keep an eye on your device’s battery health, and watch for potential discounts on newer models.
As with any aging piece of technology, the key is preparation. The vintage label is not the end of your phone’s usability—but it is the beginning of the end of official support. Make your next moves wisely.