iPhone users stunned to discover two popular models sold to millions are now considered 'vintage'

We doubt Steve Jobs knew what he was on the cusp of when Apple launched the original iPhone in 2007, but 18 years later, it's duking it out with Samsung to be the most popular phone brand in the world.

There are certain things you can always rely on in the world of tech, like the annual release of a Call of Duty game and a new iPhone.

Apple is gearing up for the release of the iPhone 17, but as the years roll by, yet more old favorites are being put out to pasture.

Earlier this year, iPhone users were shocked to learn that the iPhone SE 3, the iPhone 14, and the iPhone 14 Plus were all being discontinued.

Considering the iPhone 14 was only released in 2022, it shows just how short an iPhone's lifespan is.

Still, with an original iPhone going for up to $190,000, holding onto these older models could be worth it one day.

If you didn't feel old yet, Apple has just added two more popular models to its 'vintage' list.

Launched in 2016, the iPhone 7 Plus was the first model to include dual rear cameras, while it also had a solid-state home button and the option of a jet black colorway.

Apple considers a product 'vintage' when it hasn't been sold for more than five years but less than seven.

Beyond that, something is classed as 'obsolete' when it hasn't been sold for more than seven years. The good news is that Apple will still provide parts and services for vintage products as long as they’re available.

AppleInsider notes that the whole iPhone 7 range has been added to the vintage list as of May 21.

This could be problematic for those who still use the phone as their go-to, especially as the iPhone 7 suffered from audio IC failure known as 'Loop Disease'.

The iPhone 7's troubled life is coming to an end, with a class-action Loop Disease lawsuit only being settled in January 2024.

Claimants could receive up to $350 if they owned an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between September 2016 and January 2023.

It's not just the end of the line for the iPhone 7, with both the 64GB and 256GB iPhone 8 models landing on the vintage list.

The 128GB iPhone 8 was sold for longer, meaning it's escaped the bowels of vintage designation...for now.

Finally, it's bad news for the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 2, with both being classed as obsolete and authorized service providers no longer offering repairs or parts.

As noted by AppleInsider, it's often more expensive to source parts for these older models than the device itself is worth, but as we've seen with retro consoles and OG iPhones, they could eventually be worth a small fortune.