Apple is adding the original 12-inch MacBook to the list of obsolete devices. That means it will no longer be eligible for repairs or services as the laptop's parts and components will no longer be available at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers.
(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
CUPERTINO, CA - OCTOBER 14: New MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops are seen on display after a special announcement event at Apple Headquarters October 14, 2008 in Cupertino, California. Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced new versions of the MacBook Pro and MacBook laptop computers.
Apple Discontinuing Support
Apple confirmed that it would soon be shelving one of its most beloved released devices. According to The Sun, Apple announced that the 12-inch MacBook would no longer be supported by the company starting June 30. This device was initially released in March 2015 and sat between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
Being on the "obsolete" list means users can no longer repair their 12-inch MacBooks at any Apple Stores or Apple Authorized Service Providers since its necessary components and parts will no longer be accessible to the company.
Alongside the likes of the 2015 and 2016 MacBook Pro models and the 2015 MacBook Air, the company previously put the 12-inch retina screen MacBook on the company's list of "vintage" products, which means users can still receive some parts and repairs from Apple itself, including specific battery-only repairs depending on availability.
Apple has rules and deadlines for specific products considered "technologically outdated." If the product is more than seven years old since the business last distributed it for sale, it will no longer be profitable to do so.
Apple upgraded the 12-inch MacBook two years after its release in June of 2017. Apple discontinued its manufacturing after 2019, but this became a beloved device for many users who preferred its size, efficiency, and comfort.
Read Also: Refurbished MacBook Sold for Under $250: Here's How to Get It
Looking Back
The 12-inch MacBook was Apple's first laptop without a fan, making it one of their lightest and most portable models. It created a path for newer versions and the types of products that users were interested in purchasing.
Mashable India reported that aside from its slim and light design, it offered many features ahead of its time. The initial pricing of the laptop began at $1,299, with basic specifications including a 1.1GHZ dual-core Intel Core M CPU, integrated Intel graphics, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.
It also featured a Force Touch trackpad and a single USB-C connection for both charging and data transmission. Despite being compact, it featured a battery design that enabled a bigger battery to fit inside the laptop's thin chassis.
It became possible as Apple used a terraced battery architecture. Meanwhile, the laptop also had flaws during its prime years, including the controversial butterfly switch keyboard design that is known to be prone to failure.
As of late, Gizmodo reported that MacBooks had seen some sales slowdown. During Monday's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple tried re-energizing its laptop line by adding new MacBook offerings. Apple introduced the new 15-inch MacBook Air with an outstanding performance and stylish appearance.
The company claimed this laptop to be the thinnest 15-inch laptop on the market, with only 11.5mm as its thickness. Similar to the 12-inch MacBook, the newly added device in the market initially costs $1,299.
Related Article: WWDC 2023: Apple Unveils New 15-inch MacBook Air: 'World's Best 15-inch Laptop'
