Apple has marked the first-generation iPhone SE as a vintage product, which means it is no longer eligible for hardware service from Apple. However, you can still get repairs from third-party repair shops and software updates from Apple. Here’s what you need to know:
- Vintage Products: Apple considers a product vintage when it hasn’t been sold for more than five years and is no longer eligible for hardware service. However, software updates will be provided for as long as possible1.
- First-Generation iPhone SE: Released in March 2016 and discontinued in September 2018, the first-generation iPhone SE was a popular budget-friendly option that featured the same powerful A9 chip as the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus in a smaller, more affordable package.
- Repairs and Software Updates: While Apple won’t provide hardware service for the first-generation iPhone SE, you can still get repairs from third-party repair shops. Additionally, Apple will continue to provide software updates for the device, with the latest being iOS 15.7, released in September 2023.
- Significance of the iPhone SE: The first-generation iPhone SE was a significant device for Apple, as it helped revive the company’s iPhone sales and proved that there was still a market for smaller iPhones, leading to the release of the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone SE 3 in 2020 and 2022, respectively.
As an owner of the first-generation iPhone SE, you should be aware that it is no longer eligible for hardware service from Apple. If your device breaks, you will need to get it repaired by a third-party repair shop or buy a new device. Additionally, Apple may eventually stop providing software updates for the device, so it is essential to keep it up to date with the latest software updates.