October 5, 2023
Apple has listed its solid-gold first-gen Edition Apple Watch models as “obsolete.” This means that they will no longer receive software updates or parts, repairs, and other services.
Apple launched the first generation of its smartwatches, known as Series 0, in 2015. In addition to the standard models that started at $349, there were the 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition models retailing for between $10,000 and $17,000.
The solid-gold watches were discontinued just a year later and replaced with the $1,299 ceramic Apple Watch Edition. The 2015 wearables were never upgraded to WatchOS 5, which arrived in 2018.
Now, an internal Apple memo shows that the Series 0 watches have been added to Cupertino’s list of obsolete products. This means that they can’t be repaired or receive other services at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Provider locations.
The 38mm and 42mm first-gen Apple Watches with aluminum and stainless-steel casings have also been classed as obsolete, though owners are unlikely to be as annoyed as those who paid $17,000 for a solid-gold Edition model. Apple classifies its products as obsolete after more than seven years have passed since their original launch date.
The sources for this piece include an article in TechSpot.
