The end of an era? Apple makes a surprising move on iPhone X

Apple has made an important decision regarding one of its most iconic smartphones, officially adding the iPhone X to its “obsolete” product category.

Apple has made an important decision regarding one of its most iconic smartphones, officially adding the iPhone X to its “obsolete” product category.

The move means Apple and its authorized service providers generally no longer provide official hardware repairs or replacement parts for the device. As a result, iPhone X owners may face difficulties obtaining official repairs if their phone develops problems such as a damaged display, degraded battery or faulty charging port.

Apple typically classifies products as obsolete after more than seven years have passed since the company stopped distributing them for sale, although the final decision is made by Apple.

The iPhone X was introduced in November 2017 and was discontinued around 10 months later, in September 2018. With the device now reaching the end of Apple’s long-term hardware support cycle, its obsolete status marks an important milestone for the smartphone.

The obsolete classification is more restrictive than Apple’s “vintage” category. Some vintage products may still be eligible for repairs, depending on the availability of replacement components. Obsolete products, however, generally no longer receive hardware service from Apple or its authorized providers.

Why was the iPhone X important?

The iPhone X was a major turning point in Apple’s smartphone design. It introduced several features that later became standard across the company’s flagship iPhone lineup.

The device was the first iPhone to feature Face ID and an OLED display while Apple removed the traditional Home button and Touch ID. It instead introduced a nearly edge-to-edge screen with the now-famous notch.

The iPhone X represented a significant departure from the design Apple had used for years. Its new display, biometric authentication system and gesture-based interface helped establish the direction of future iPhone models.

The device also influenced the wider smartphone industry, with its screen design and facial-recognition technology becoming part of broader trends among smartphone manufacturers.

For users who still rely on the iPhone X Apple’s iPhone X obsolete designation means that official hardware support will now be significantly limited. Owners may need to consider third-party repair services or replacement devices if their phones develop serious hardware problems.

Despite reaching the end of its official hardware support journey the iPhone X remains one of the most influential iPhone models Apple has ever released.