End of an Era: Apple Inc. Declares the 2012 MacBook Pro Obsolete

Apple Inc. AAPL, the trailblazer in personal computing, has officially announced the obsolescence of a noteworthy piece of its history—the 2012 MacBook Pro with a 13-inch display. This move symbolizes the industry-wide shift away from physical media like CDs and DVDs toward digital content delivery.

The Legacy of the 2012 MacBook Pro

Introduced in 2012, the lauded 13-inch MacBook Pro was among the last of Apple's laptops to include a CD drive, an element once considered vital for computer hardware. It came equipped with either an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, embodying the cutting-edge of technology at the time. However, with changing consumer preferences and technological advancements, Apple has now designated this iconic model as an 'obsolete product,' a status that typically means the cessation of hardware support and service from the company.

Apple's Evolution and Market Dominance

Indeed, Apple Inc. has evolved considerably since the introduction of the 2012 MacBook Pro. As the world’s largest technology company by revenue and the most valuable company globally since January 2021, Apple has made significant strides in the PC and smartphone markets. Known for its consumer electronics, computer software, and online services, Apple continues to redefine the technology landscape. This move to obsoletize the last MacBook with a disc drive is just another step in their ongoing innovation journey, influencing consumer behaviors and transforming the tech ecosystem.

Impact on Consumers and the Secondary Market

The proclamation by Apple serves as an influential benchmark for tech enthusiasts and can potentially impact the secondary market for vintage Apple products. Collectors and users who favor or rely on disc drives may seek to acquire this model, thus possibly increasing its value among niche circles. Meanwhile, the majority of users have shifted towards streaming and digital downloads, aligning with Apple's push for a disc-less future.

Apple, MacBook, Obsolete