iPhone owners warned as beloved handset is officially declared ‘vintage’ by Apple making repairs a massive headache

IPhone users of a much-loved handset have been warned their model is now officially “vintage,” making repairs a hassle.

The first iPhone SE, released in 2016, is now on Apple’s “vintage” products list.

The first iPhone SE was released in 2016Credit: Alamy

Apple considers a product to be “vintage” if it has been more than five years but less than seven years since Apple stopped distributing the product for sale.

Once it hits the seven-year mark, it is considered to be “obsolete”.

With “vintage” products there is no guarantee they are eligible for repairs through Apple or Apple Authorised Service Providers.

However, if parts are available, Apple will offer to fix the product.

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It also had a 12MP rear camera which was an improvement on the 8MP for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone SE cost £317 ($399).

Since the original iPhone SE was launched, Apple has since brought out two other iPhone SE versions – one in 2020 and the other two years later.

Both of these are based on the iPhone 8, sport a 4.7-inch LCD display, and are powered by the A13 Bionic (iPhone SE 2020) and the A15 Bionic (iPhone SE 2022).

If the rumours are correct, there will be a fourth-generation iPhone SE in 2025 which will be based on the iPhone 14 and come with a 6.1-inch display, Face ID, a USB-C port, the A16 Bionic or A17 Pro chipset, a single rear camera, and the new Action Button.