"Durability" - two words that seem fitting to describe Apple products, wouldn't you agree? In terms of quality, performance, and software support, few in the industry can even come close to competing. However, even the most durable products eventually succumb to the relentless march of time. Recently, Apple has added two classic tablet computers, the iPad Air 2 (2014) and the iPad mini 2 (2013), to its list of "obsolete products." This move comes on the heels of Apple's decision earlier this year to discontinue the iPhone 6 Plus. When a product is designated as "obsolete," it means that it ceased being available for purchase as early as 5 to 7 years ago. As consumers, we should consider this list as a warning. According to Apple's official rules, the next stage after a product becomes obsolete is "vintage status," which typically occurs 7 years after the product's discontinuation. Apple explicitly states, "Apple will discontinue all hardware service for vintage products... service providers cannot order parts for vintage products." In other words, if your device breaks down at that point, you might not be able to find replacement parts for repairs. So, it might be wise to consider upgrading to a newer model sooner rather than later.
However, tablets are not as crucial as smartphones, and replacing them can be costly. Most people's perspective is: "It still works." Some users even say, "I feel like it could go another 10 years with a new battery." Others have used their tablets for six years and find them just as reliable as when they first purchased them. There are even those who proudly hold onto even older models, suggesting that the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 2 are not such a big deal. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade or not comes down to finances. As one pragmatic individual put it, "The device's lifespan depends on whether I have the money in my pocket. If I do, I'll replace it every year; if not, I'll keep using it for five or six years."
Regardless of the financial aspect, a product's ability to last for such a long time undoubtedly indicates its exceptional qualities. Firstly, in terms of performance, the iPad Air 2 featured the A8X chip with improved performance over the A7 in the first-generation iPad Air. Coupled with 2GB of RAM, it remains snappy even after extended use. In terms of other features, the iPad Air 2 introduced the practical Touch ID fingerprint recognition and was the first iPad to feature a fully laminated display. This technology ensured that the screen looked clear even in different lighting conditions, had no visible gaps, and, most importantly, saved space. Thanks to this innovation, the iPad Air 2 was only 6.1mm thick, 1.4mm thinner than its predecessor, a noticeable improvement.
The iPad mini 2, on the other hand, upgraded to a Retina display with a resolution of 2048x1536, eliminating the pixelation issue. Interestingly, from the iPad mini 2 to the mini 3, Apple made the rare decision not to upgrade the processor (both used the A7 chip), which may have contributed to the mini 2's longevity.
Now, the question arises: if you do own an obsolete product, aside from continuing to use it, how can you make the most of its remaining value?
Well, there's good news - you've stumbled upon a hidden gem. In Apple's repair service, the cost of replacing the battery for an iPad is $799. Based on user feedback, Apple's service centers are likely to replace your entire iPad with a brand new one rather than just the battery. However, certain conditions must be met: the screen must be intact, there should be no water damage, and the battery capacity must be below 80%. Here's the interesting part: if you own an officially designated "obsolete product" like the iPad Air 2, the service center may not have the same model available. In such cases, they will provide you with a newer model. Many users have reported receiving a new iPad fifth-generation (2017) in exchange for their iPad Air 2. Currently, the second-hand price for an iPad Air 2 with 64GB of storage is roughly 800 RMB, while a new iPad fifth-generation with 128GB of storage costs over 1600 RMB. It's a fair deal and saves you the hassle of negotiating a price for a second-hand device. However, you should consider your needs when making the switch, especially if you require a higher-quality display.
Another detail to consider is that if your device is too old, you won't be able to take advantage of this opportunity. As we mentioned earlier, when a product is classified as "vintage," Apple is unable to provide further after-sales service.
So, how do you typically handle unused digital products?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.
In the world of obsolete gadgets, the big question is: What else can you do with them before they become truly irrelevant?
