Apple declares iPad 2 obsolete eight years after Steve Jobs launched it
Apple has updated its list of 'vintage and obsolete products' with the addition of the iPad 2, the last device that Steve Jobs launched at an Apple event.
Apple has formally added the iPad 2, both Wi-Fi-only and cellular models, to its list of 'vintage and obsolete products.' The two are effectively the same for most users as they mean that repairs requiring any new parts cannot be performed. However, legal requirements in California and Turkey mean that Apple must continue some level of service for them until 2021.
At the March 2011 Apple event, Steve Jobs returned from his health-related leave of absence specifically to launch the iPad 2. "We've been working on this product for a while and I didn't want to miss today," he said.
He said that the original iPad had been such a success that this year could've been "the year of the copycats" as everyone launched a tablet.
"Most of these tablets aren't even catching up with the first iPad," Jobs said. "But we haven't been resting on our laurels. It is an all-new design. And the first thing is, it's dramatically faster."
The iPad 2 continued to be manufactured until March 2014, which means it was discontinued five years ago. By Apple's definition, that makes the iPad 2 'vintage'.
"Vintage products are those that have not been manufactured for more than 5 and less than 7 years ago," explains Apple's newly updated support page. "Obsolete products are those that were discontinued more than 7 years ago. Apple has discontinued all hardware service for obsolete products with no exceptions. Service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products."
That page details the California and Turkey exceptions for the Mac, iPod and iPhone but not the iPad. Nonetheless, all models of the iPad 2 are then listed as being officially "vintage in the U.S. and Turkey and obsolete in the rest of the world."
California's civil code on sale warranties, section 1793.03, mandates when a product can be rendered obsolete. "Every manufacturer [of an] electronic or appliance product... with a wholesale price to the retailer of one hundred dollars ($100) or more, shall make available to service and repair facilities sufficient service literature and functional parts to effect the repair of a product for at least seven years after the date a product model or type was manufactured," it says.
Apple has formally added the iPad 2, both Wi-Fi-only and cellular models, to its list of 'vintage and obsolete products.' The two are effectively the same for most users as they mean that repairs requiring any new parts cannot be performed. However, legal requirements in California and Turkey mean that Apple must continue some level of service for them until 2021.
At the March 2011 Apple event, Steve Jobs returned from his health-related leave of absence specifically to launch the iPad 2. "We've been working on this product for a while and I didn't want to miss today," he said.
He said that the original iPad had been such a success that this year could've been "the year of the copycats" as everyone launched a tablet.
"Most of these tablets aren't even catching up with the first iPad," Jobs said. "But we haven't been resting on our laurels. It is an all-new design. And the first thing is, it's dramatically faster."
The iPad 2 continued to be manufactured until March 2014, which means it was discontinued five years ago. By Apple's definition, that makes the iPad 2 'vintage'.
"Vintage products are those that have not been manufactured for more than 5 and less than 7 years ago," explains Apple's newly updated support page. "Obsolete products are those that were discontinued more than 7 years ago. Apple has discontinued all hardware service for obsolete products with no exceptions. Service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products."
That page details the California and Turkey exceptions for the Mac, iPod and iPhone but not the iPad. Nonetheless, all models of the iPad 2 are then listed as being officially "vintage in the U.S. and Turkey and obsolete in the rest of the world."
California's civil code on sale warranties, section 1793.03, mandates when a product can be rendered obsolete. "Every manufacturer [of an] electronic or appliance product... with a wholesale price to the retailer of one hundred dollars ($100) or more, shall make available to service and repair facilities sufficient service literature and functional parts to effect the repair of a product for at least seven years after the date a product model or type was manufactured," it says.
Comments
Same here. Great product.
I expect its battery to simply fail any day now. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if it took some years still. I thought about getting a new one many times, but I simply can’t justify the expense. My iPad 2 is still very much usable to me (and my kids, whom are younger than it).
That all being said, I’d never have so old a product being repaired, in any level. I doubt it would be cost effective, particularly with the current line up of new offerings.
With a hiccup or two we got it to run iOS9, and use it only for our 4-year old to have a few movies on and play a game or two (two 4S's: same job).
Still has good battery life, and surprising standby battery life. It can sit for 2 weeks and then still have use-able life.
I follow AI for the really good discussion on the latest/greatest, tech/life-philosophy, tech-history, etc etc.
But for apple products I fawn over what they can do compare to nothing, so I geek out about an iPad 2 with a beautiful-screen playing "Frozen" for my little one. "wow look at that!".
Our old Macs are still soldiering on:
Just for bare-bones home-use of web surfing & e-mail, and home photos:
Main machine: 2009 iMac: High Sierra.
2007 iMac: SSD + 4GB: El Cap: Yay iFixit.
2008 iMac: SSD + 4GB: El Cap: Yay iFixit.
Late 2008 Macbook, SSD + 4GB, El Cap
2009 MacBook pro: El Cap (SSD coming!)
But I also enjoy reading people's demands for 3D-holographic-augmented-reality, full holo-deck expected for "the next i-something."
Heh heh.
Cheers!
Eric.
The iPad 2 is simply the best iPad upgrade with its hardware running relatively well for so long.
I guess a lie can only run for so long.
It's still running good by the way, though with less battery time than it used to have of course. I gave it to my mom many years ago, and she still uses it.
I bought a Samsung laser printer that only had drivers for Windows XP, and when Vista and Windows 7 came out, Samsung’s support was like: “just buy a new printer!”
Support for future operating systems is only really a guarantee when the OS and hardware are from the same company, and only if it sold better than the Microsoft Windows Phone 7.