Popular Apple device is now OBSOLETE - and it will leave users without any support if something goes wrong

It was one of the most hotly-anticipated devices in Apple's recent history. 

But now, the tech giant has consigned its second generation Apple Watch to the scrap heap. 

It means owners of the $269/£269 device, released back in 2016, will be left without any support from Apple if something goes wrong with it. 

First noticed by MacRumours, Apple has added the Apple Watch Series 2 to the official list of products it deems obsolete.

Apple considers a product obsolete when it stopped distributing it for sale more than seven years ago. 

It means the device has lost support and is no longer eligible for repair at an Apple Store or an authorized third-party service provider. 

Essentially it means if the product stops working Apple is not obliged to fix it – rendering it barely more than a relic from the past.

Apple explains on its website: 'Products are considered obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 7 years ago. 

'Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products. 

'Mac laptops may be eligible for an extended battery-only repair period for up to 10 years from when the product was last distributed for sale, subject to parts availability.' 

At the time a much-anticipated follow-up to the original Apple Watch, the second generation model came with added waterproofing and built-in GPS. 

MailOnline's four star review called it an 'excellent smartwatch' with a strong improvement in battery life, but not 'necessarily the radical redesign many were hoping for'. 

Apple Watch Series 2's aluminum and stainless steel variants – which originally retailed for $269 (£269) – are on the list meaning they are now obsolete. 

However the more expensive ceramic version ($369/£369) is yet to added, meaning Apple should still provide services for it. 

If you do have this ceramic version of Apple Watch Series 2, it may be worth getting any repairs sorted as soon as possible. 

Meanwhile, Apple has listed two smartphones as 'vintage' – the iPhone XS Max (launched in 2018) and iPhone 6s Plus (launched in 2015). 

'Vintage' means Apple stopped selling it more than five years ago and as a result it may or may not be able to receive Apple services. 

Although Apple releases several devices to feverish fanfare every year, even more are quietly consigned to the technology scrap heap. 

But environmental campaigners believe a lifetime of less than a decade isn't reasonable for a tech device retailing several hundreds of pounds. 

Tech companies including Apple have faced fierce criticism for fuelling an 'e-waste crisis', where piles of electronic waste are building up in landfill. 

After a device is discarded and e-waste is warmed up, toxic chemicals are released into the air damaging the atmosphere.

E-waste in landfills can also seep toxic materials seep into groundwater, affecting animals and plants.

'Electronic waste is the world's fastest growing waste stream and represents a global crisis,' said Nathan Proctor, senior director of Public Interest Research Group's right to repair campaign. 

'Companies that use software to prevent compatible spare parts from working fully make this problem worse, while harming consumers and undermining local repair shops.' 

Earlier this year, Apple listed its last ever iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle models as obsolete, as well as the iPhone 6.

The tech giant sold several generations of the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle between 2005 and 2015 – affectionately remembered by music lovers and tech fans alike.

iPod Nano was marketed as the mid-range model in the iPod family, while the little iPod Shuffle was famous for coming without a screen.