Apple's beloved device has been officially declared 'unusable'
According to Apple's support page, "a product is considered 'unusable' if it has been discontinued for seven years," and no hardware support is offered for devices in this category. Service providers are also unable to provide parts.
CONTRARY TO ITS NAME, IT'S NOT THE FIRST APPLE WATCHInterestingly, despite its name, the Apple Watch Series 1 isn't the first Apple Watch. It's a second-generation model released in 2016, following the original model's release in 2015. Apple previously declared the Series 2 obsolete by 2024; the Series 1's later addition to that list is noteworthy.
While Apple claims its products are designed for longevity, support is phased out. Products are initially considered "vintage," a status that lasts for five to seven years. Devices that are over seven years old are automatically deemed "unusable."
This development has revived criticisms leveled against tech companies by environmental campaigners. Many tech giants, including Apple, have been accused of producing short-lived devices and contributing to the e-waste crisis.
When end-of-life devices are disposed of in landfills or exposed to heat, harmful chemicals can escape into the air. Furthermore, the leakage of these substances into groundwater poses a threat to nature and living creatures.
"Electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste type in the world. Companies that use software to block compatible spare parts are exacerbating this crisis," said Nathan Proctor, senior director of the Public Interest Research Group's right-to-repair campaign.
SÖZCÜ
