Sudden shift turns premium laptops into outdated tech, sparking concerns for owners' wallets

If you're one of the many Australians who splashed out thousands of dollars on a MacBook in the mid-2010s, brace yourself. Apple has just declared three popular models officially 'obsolete' - and that expensive laptop you're still using might be heading for the technology graveyard sooner than you'd like.

The tech giant recently updated its dreaded obsolete products list, adding the 2015 11-inch MacBook Air and two MacBook Pro models from 2017.

For Australian buyers, these weren't cheap purchases—the 2017 MacBook Pro models cost between A$1,899 and A$4,099 when they launched, while even basic configurations ran well over $2,000.

What 'obsolete' really means for your daily computing

When Apple declares a device obsolete, it's not just a bureaucratic label—it has real consequences for users. Apple explains that obsolete devices lose all hardware service support, and the company 'discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products.'

In practical terms, if your 2017 MacBook Pro's screen cracks tomorrow, Apple won't fix it. If the battery swells or the keyboard stops working, you're on your own.

The only exception is batteries, which may be eligible for replacement up to 10 years after the product's last sale date, subject to parts availability.

This is particularly frustrating given that many of these devices are still perfectly functional. The 2017 MacBook Pro models were marketed as 'groundbreaking' when announced at WWDC 2017, featuring faster Intel Kaby Lake processors and what Apple called its most advanced display technology yet.

The Australian consumer perspective

For Australian consumers, this obsolescence hits differently. Our distance from global tech centres means repairs were already more expensive and time-consuming.

Current AppleCare+ repair costs show screen or external damage repairs cost A$149, while other accidental damage costs A$429—fees that many users might now prefer to pay rather than replace their entire machine.

The silver lining? Apple notes that 'AppleCare+ benefits are separate from and in addition to the Apple Limited Warranty and any legal rights provided by Australian consumer law.' This means Australian Consumer Guarantees may still apply in some circumstances, particularly if a major failure occurs unreasonably soon after purchase.

Your options if you own an obsolete device

Don't panic if you're reading this on one of these newly obsolete machines. Several alternatives exist:

Keep using it: If your device works fine, there's no immediate need to replace it. These laptops can still run current software and handle everyday tasks like email, web browsing, and document editing.

Explore third-party repairs: While Apple won't service these devices, independent repair shops may still have access to compatible parts or workaround solutions.

Consider the refurbished market: Refurbished device retailers like Reebelo offer MacBooks 'at up to 70 per cent off retail' and note that buying used saves '70 per cent of the carbon footprint of a new device.'

The environmental elephant in the room

The rapid obsolescence of expensive electronics raises serious environmental questions. A device that cost thousands of dollars new becomes effectively unrepairable after less than a decade—hardly sustainable for either wallets or the planet.

Environmental campaigners have consistently criticised this approach. As one UK parliamentary report noted, tech companies like Apple contribute to an e-waste crisis where 'too many devices have a limited, and sometimes decreasing, lifespan and end up in bins, eventually going to landfill or incineration.'

For environmentally conscious seniors, this creates a genuine dilemma: continue using a device without official support, or contribute to electronic waste by replacing a perfectly functional machine?

The bigger picture: Apple's product lifecycle

Apple's obsolescence policy follows a predictable pattern. Devices remain 'current' while actively sold, become 'vintage' after five years, and reach 'obsolete' status after seven years. Even the latest iPhone 16 (not iPhone 17 as some reports have incorrectly stated) will eventually follow this same trajectory.

This system ensures a steady stream of upgrade purchases but leaves consumers feeling pressured to replace functional devices. For many Australian seniors who bought these laptops as long-term investments, the reality of planned obsolescence can feel like a betrayal of that initial purchase decision.

Making the most of your situation

If you're still using one of these newly obsolete devices, you're not alone. The robust second-hand market for these models on platforms like eBay and Gumtree suggests many Australians continue finding value in them.

The key is being proactive about maintenance and realistic about your needs. Regular backups become more critical when official repair options disappear, and having a contingency plan helps avoid panic purchases.

The real question: repair, replace, or carry on?

For many seniors, these obsolete MacBooks still represent a significant investment. The decision whether to continue using them, attempt repairs, or upgrade depends heavily on individual circumstances and computing needs.

Those using their laptops primarily for basic tasks—email, web browsing, photo viewing—may find these older machines perfectly adequate for years to come. Power users requiring the latest software features or enhanced security might find the upgrade path more compelling.

What's your experience with aging Apple devices? Have you found reliable repair alternatives, or have you felt pressured into premature upgrades? Share your thoughts in the comments below—your insights might help fellow readers navigate this technological minefield.