purchase date/model version of a "new" MacBook Pro?

Shouldn't Apple provide a disclosure that makes sense to the average, non-tech-savvy consumer when selling older technology as "new"? Discovering this after the fact seems like a consumer "gotcha".

It matters little what we think Apple should or should not do. We are all end users like you, not Apple, and Apple will not see your concern here.

Apple model years have never been year of production but rather year of introduction. Apple's 13-inch Mid 2012 Macbook Pro remained unchanged in the lineup from June 2012 through Oct 2016 due to its popularity. The Mac Mini (2018), introduced in October 2018, remained a first-line retail product until January 2023.

As discussion of Apple policies are not considered forum-appropriate based on the Use Agreement we all agreed to follow on signing up here, your best way to place your concern before an Apple employee is by using this feedback link:

Feedback - MacBook Pro - Apple

NickSail wrote:

I received a "new" 13" MacBook Pro as a gift, purchased in December 2018-- my first, and purchased for me by someone who is not tech-savvy. Apple considers this MacBook Pro to be a 2017 model, identified based on Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports and from what I can tell, is not "compatible" with (not eligible to upgrade to) macOS Sonoma. It appears Apple support for Ventura (introduced October 2022) may end in October 2025? OTOH, a 2018 13" MacBook Pro is still "compatible" with (eligible to upgrade to) Sonoma, which was introduced September 2023, and likely will be supported for a year or more after my 2018 "new" 2017 MacBook Pro's OS is unsupported/security-vulnerable junk-- even longer if the true "2018s" (and later models built on the 2018 platform) are compatible with the macOS that replaces Sonoma.

Shouldn't Apple provide a disclosure that makes sense to the average, non-tech-savvy consumer when selling older technology as "new"? Discovering this after the fact seems like a consumer "gotcha". Live and learn.

you can see compatibility here:

macOS Monterey is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

macOS Monterey is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

macOS Ventura is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

macOS Ventura is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

macOS Sonoma is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

macOS Sonoma is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

submit your Apple Feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple

NickSail wrote:

Thanks for your feedback. I am a newbie here, and its not often clear what are Apple's "policies", and what are technical questions. I saw a previous question asking how long Apple would provide OS support for Ventura, and I was trying to understand the technical considerations that go into OS support expectations. How is one to know whether new OS update eligibility is based on technology changes/obsolescence, year of introduction, or something else? Should I be directing these questions elsewhere, other than to members of the Apple Community?

And yes, some grumbling, for which I apologize, and which I will avoid in the future.

ref: see vintage and obsolete:

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support

Call Customer Support  (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)