It seems that Apple as worked out that now people are not upgrading to their expensive new phones, and can live with all the software upgrades which cripple battery life, it might be able to make a bob or two by offering to fix older devices.

The new programme will include the iPhone 5 and other Apple products that are “about to become obsolete.”

In the coming weeks will add more products to the list for devices that previously lost repair support," reports 9to5Mac.

Some of the devices that will be included on the list include the iPhone 4s and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012).

Usually after five to seven years, products are then classified as "vintage" or "obsolete" (depending on the country and local laws) and Apple staff no longer offers parts or repairs. The company supports a list of products that are classified as vintage and obsolete on its website.

For the new Pilot programme, Apple will only be offering repairs for vintage devices based on part availability.

Otherwise customers will be told that inventory isn't available because the product is considered vintage. So the new programme doesn't guarantee you a repair, but it's a nice change from Apple's previous policy where it told you to stop being stupid and pay for a similar phone for three times the price like everyone else.