Apple Says Original 12-Inch MacBook Now Obsolete

[MacRumors]

Apple today added the original 12-inch MacBook to its obsolete products list, meaning the laptop is no longer eligible for repairs or service at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers.

Introduced in March 2015, the 12-inch MacBook featured a thin and light design that weighed just two pounds. With prices starting at $1,299, the original model's standard specs including a 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core M processor, integrated Intel HD 5300 graphics, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.

"Apple has reinvented the notebook with the new MacBook," said Apple's former marketing chief Phil Schiller in a March 2015 press release. "Every component of the MacBook reveals a new innovation. From its fanless design, ultra-thin Retina display and full-size keyboard that's 34 percent thinner, to its all-new Force Touch trackpad, versatile USB-C port and breakthrough terraced battery design, the new MacBook is the future of the notebook."

The 12-inch MacBook was also the first MacBook model to feature Apple's infamous butterfly switch keyboard design, which was prone to failure and eventually dropped from the entire MacBook lineup after years of complaints and lawsuits. Apple last updated the 12-inch MacBook in June 2017, and it was discontinued in July 2019.

Apple classifies a product as technologically obsolete once more than seven years have passed since the company stopped distributing it for sale. The original 12-inch MacBook was discontinued in April 2016 upon the release of a second-generation model with improved specs, so the laptop recently crossed that seven-year mark.

In addition to the original 12-inch MacBook becoming obsolete, Apple has classified the stainless steel models of the Apple Watch Series 2 as vintage. Aluminum Series 2 models were previously classified as vintage last November.

The vintage products list features devices that Apple stopped distributing for sale more than five years ago and less than seven years ago. Apple provides service and parts for vintage devices for up to seven years, or as required by law, but repairs are subject to parts availability.

Article Link: Apple Says Original 12-Inch MacBook Now Obsolete

 

[matttarantino]

Bring it back with M3!!

 

[dantracht]

Truly the end of an era with none getting Sonoma. Had a 2016 model for a few years and really liked it. I had to work Saturdays back then as a proctor and I would use the 12” for light work. Adorable, capable little secondary machine.

 

[mdnz]

8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD

Thankfully after 8 years we've had such a big advancement

 

[ignatius345]

This was such a maddening little MacBook. Perfect screen, perfect weight and size for an ultra-portable writing and emailing machine. I could even have lived with the poor battery life, but that bloody keyboard just wrecked it for me. They could execute this design perfectly today, though, and I really wish they would.

 

[dantracht]

This was such a maddening little MacBook. Perfect screen, perfect weight and size for an ultra-portable writing and emailing machine. I could even have lived with the poor battery life, but that bloody keyboard just wrecked it for me.

Oh lord the keyboard. Clickety clickety.

 

[jdclifford]

I'm writing this on my 2015 12" MacBook right now. I don't use it much anymore (sometimes when traveling) but I would also like an updated version.

 

[aevan]

Make a new one, call it MacBook Mini!

 

[Populus]

PLEASE BRING IT BACK WITH AN M3 APPLE!!

EDIT: okay, @matttarantino was faster than me.

 

[pero33]

Just put an M1/M2 in it, add 2 USB-C.
I would buy it.

 

[chrono1081]

Aw I liked it. It was so thin and light!

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

That’s very sad. MacBook 12” was the perfect size for so many people.

The design was futuristic and ahead of its time. 🥲

 

[Zachari]

That things existence was so confusing

 

[Xand&Roby]

"Owners of iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, or Apple TV products may obtain service and parts from Apple service providers, including Apple Store locations and Independent Repair Providers, for a minimum of 5 years from when Apple last distributed the product for sale.

Service and parts may be obtained for longer, as required by law or for up to 7 years, subject to parts availability. Additionally, Mac laptops may be eligible for an extended battery-only repair period for up to 10 years from when the product was last distributed for sale, subject to parts availability."

MacBook 12" was discontinued in July 2019, the 9 (https://www.macrumors.com/2019/07/09/apple-discontinues-12-inch-macbook/), so until July 2024, the 9, it would not be discontinued. That's , folks.

 

[Spock]

I remember thinking that this machine was going to the be end of the MacBook Air... wrong. I think that this was one of the first machines that Apple realized Intel could no longer provide what they needed in a machine, this would have been amazing with Apple Silicon.

 

[orbital~debris]

Bring it back, with  silicon!

I'd even go so far as to say, alternatively, bring it back with  silicon + an early 2000s-style translucent polycarbonate case.
Bring the price down low, and sell to schools as a Chromebook antidote, or Mac-fans as a secondary Mac.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

The design should come back as a Macbook SE that they could sell for under $800. Would get so many people to switch to Mac and eat into the low end school laptop market.

 

[The Samurai]

Put an M series in, cash waiting!

 

[Eggtastic]

Apple could have done this...

14" and 16" MacBook Pro

12" and 14" MacBooks (I took the air out because it cleans up the name)

12" would have benefited from the newer style keyboard preventing sticking of the keys, smaller bezel, M chip, etc.


I had the 2016 version and loved it.

 

[Aston441]

Maybe it was Steve Jobs' answer to a Dell Inspiron Mini 9, running OS X flawlessly, shown to him by (somebody who shall go unnamed 😂) at a book signing, in 2009. Uh... word is Mr Jobs seemed a little... perturbed.

 

[roncron]

Bring it back with M3!!

and a Magic Keyboard. Then take my money.

 

[jonnysods]

Its up there for one of my fav Macs for sure, the perfect travel companion, just dog slow. If they could just remake it with an m1 or m2....

 

[MacWiz_007]

I don't care what anyone else says, I loved this device. I even bought one for my brother that he still uses today. RIP 12" MacBook.

 

[MacWiz_007]

"... 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD." Some MacBook's today still come with the same SSD storage and RAM specs, 8 years later. Tim Apple says "You're welcome!" 🤣

 

[sunapple]

I owned two, also owned a first gen 11” and currently own and use the M1 Air. Portability is awesome but performance is key… Before M1 that was just always an issue unfortunately.