Apple today announced that it will launch a new pilot program that will allow Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers to continue to offer repair service for the 21.5 and 27-inch iMac released to mid 2011 in spite of that will be classified as vintage starting next month.
The pilot program will be available in the United States only between March 1, 2018 and August 31, 2018, subject to Apple parts availability, according to the internal company note obtained by MacRumors. After the pilot program is complete, repairs will only be available in California and Turkey, as required by law.
Apple and authorized service providers may repair the display, iMac hinge, logic board, graphics card, hard drive or SSD, power supply, and other components. although the exact availability of spare parts is not yet known. It is unclear if RAM and storage upgrades will continue to be offered within this pilot program.
Apple typically offers repairs and replacement parts for a Mac for up to five years after it is no longer manufactured. Mid 2011 iMacs are approaching this cut-off point, as the last education-only setup was discontinued in March 2013, but these machines will continue to be accepted for the service we've discussed in the designated locations for six months. additional.
Apple hasn't specified whether the pilot program will eventually it will expand to other legacy products, or if it will be available outside of the United States.
As you can see, and despite what many followers may think, Apple computers can last many more years than those of the competition, even more taking into account the quality of the materials with which they are manufactured.