Apple Decides to Stop Support for One of Its Most Famous Devices.. Including Apple Watch Series 1

SadaNews - Apple is known for its wide range of products, from smartphones to earphones, yet some of its devices are no longer receiving ongoing support, especially after more than seven years since their launch.

In this regard, Apple officially announced the inclusion of the Apple Watch Series 1 in the "vintage devices" list, a classification that signifies the end of technical and customer support for this model.

Although its name suggests that it is Apple's first smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 1 is not the original version; it was introduced in 2016 as part of the second generation of watches, with minor improvements in terms of the internal processor.

According to the company’s clarification on its technical support site, devices are classified as "vintage" when Apple stops selling them for more than 7 years. This classification means that the company will no longer provide maintenance services or spare parts for those devices, even through authorized service providers.

Typically, Apple begins to gradually discontinue support for its devices five years after they have stopped being distributed, at which point they are classified as "antique devices." After seven years, they are officially listed as "vintage devices," which means the end of technical support and maintenance services permanently.

Interestingly, the Apple Watch Series 2 was classified as "vintage" earlier in 2024, while Series 1 was only recently added to the list, even though they were launched around the same time.

This approach raises concerns among environmental advocates, who believe that the short lifespan of devices – especially those sold at high prices – contributes to the worsening global e-waste problem.

Nathan Proctor, director at the "Right to Repair" campaign under the Public Interest Research Group, asserts that e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, warning that practices by some companies, such as preventing the use of compatible spare parts, harm consumers and local repair shops and exacerbate environmental pollution.

According to experts, the random disposal of electronic devices releases toxic chemicals into the air when burned, or leaks into groundwater through landfills, threatening the health of humans, animals, and plants.

Source: Daily Mail