Apple to Shut Down Support Community on November 20

Apple is shutting down its online Support Community on November 20, 2026. The forums are now in a read-only state and no longer accept new posts.

What is closing

The Apple Support Community will permanently close on November 20, 2026. Starting today, the site will no longer accept new posts and is available in a read-only state. Apple posted a message on the community home page saying: "The Apple Support Community will permanently close on November 20, 2026. Starting today, the site will no longer accept new posts and is available in a read-only state."

The notice also says: "You can continue to find trusted guidance and support on the official Apple Support site. We want to thank the community members who have contributed their time and expertise to help others with their Apple products."

History of the forum

Apple offered an online discussion forum for user-to-user technical support since 1998, when it launched the Apple Tech Exchange. The forums were renamed to Apple Discussions in 2000, and then to the Apple Support Community in 2022.

Why Apple is shutting it down

Apple told MacRumors that it decided to sunset the Apple Support Community after a careful evaluation of strategy and customer needs. An Apple spokesperson told CNET the decision was made "after careful evaluation of our strategy and our customers’ needs."

Where users can get help

Apple’s site notification directs people to visit the official Apple Support site. Users can also use Apple’s online chat, support phone numbers and in-store support, the same way they worked in the past. Alternatives include other user-driven forums, Reddit threads, or social media.

Why it matters

• The Apple Support Community has operated since 1998 under several names.
• The site will be entirely removed after November 20, not even read-only, according to Apple.
• Apple is redirecting users to its official support channels instead of peer-to-peer forums.

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Sources

• engadget.com: Apple Is Shutting Down Its Online Support Community On November 20
• macrumors.com: 'Apple Support Community' Permanently Closing on November 20 - MacRumors
• pcmag.com: Apple to Shut Down Its Support Community Forum Next Week | PCMag
• cnet.com: Apple Support Community Is Shutting Down, as DIY Advice Bites the Dust - CNET
• thurrott.com: Apple is Shutting Down is Support Community Platform
• tech.yahoo.com: Who you gonna call? Apple Support Community is shutting down.

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.