The Apple Support Community closes permanently on November 20, 2026. This checklist covers what to archive before then, what Apple has not specified about old posts, and which channels the notices name instead of the boards. The forums are already read-only, so old threads still open, but new questions and replies do not. The Verge says Apple has not specified what will happen to the posts, and presumes they disappear.
Updated November 11, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Apple Support Community is read-only and closes November 20, 2026.
- Apple has not specified what happens to decades of posts.
- Apple’s notice names only the official Apple Support site.
- Sign-in now opens an internal portal for Apple employees.
What should you check before November 20?
MacRumors reported on November 10, 2026, that Apple set a permanent close for Friday, November 20. Effectively immediately, the forums are read-only and new posts are no longer accepted. MacRumors said the final message posted to the site appears to have been submitted at 5:49 p.m. Pacific Time that day—the day of the November 10 report—not on the close date.
New posts stopped being accepted effectively immediately. The report does not tie that freeze to 5:49 p.m. 9to5Mac says the remaining sign-in button leads to an AppleConnect login page labeled “AC Communities Web – Internal.” PCMag, citing 9to5Mac, says contributors are redirected to an Apple Connect page with that title. MacRumors calls the path an internal portal for Apple’s corporate employees.
Macworld counted nine days left at the time of writing and said to make the most of the boards while you still can.
- Confirm the site is read-only and set to close on November 20, 2026. New posts are no longer accepted.
- Search fixes you still use. 9to5Mac says browse and search still work.
- Save a personal note of any workaround you still need. The Verge says Apple has not specified what will happen to the posts, and presumes they disappear.
- Skip sign-in for community access. MacRumors says the button leads to an internal portal for Apple employees.
- Do not treat Me Too or upvote clicks as a save. PCMag says those buttons still register clicks, and 9to5Mac says users can still use Me Too and voting, in the current read-only state.
What has Apple not specified about old posts?
MacRumors, The Verge, and PCMag quote the notice: “The Apple Support Community will permanently close on November 20, 2026.” It also says, “You can continue to find trusted guidance and support on the official Apple Support site.” It does not mention an archive, a download, or any new home for old threads.
The Verge adds that Apple has not specified what happens to decades of posts, and presumes they disappear with the platform. 9to5Mac saw the banner open with “AppleCare Support Community,” but the close date matched.
The boards began in 1998 as the Apple Tech Exchange, then Apple Discussions in 2000, Apple Support Communities in 2011, and Apple Support Community in 2022. Apple informed MacRumors that the decision followed a careful evaluation of strategy and customer needs. Macworld notes the public notice gives no reason, and that Apple did not immediately respond to its request for comment.
Which channels replace the Apple Support Community?
Apple’s notice names one official place for guidance: the official Apple Support site. It does not name other forums. MacRumors says customers can still contact Apple Support, and lists MacRumors Forums and Reddit as alternatives. PCMag says you will now have to rely on other user-driven forums, Reddit threads, or social media for new bug and tip discussions.
| Channel | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Official Apple Support site | Apple’s notice: trusted guidance and support |
| Contact Apple Support | MacRumors: customers can still contact Apple Support |
| MacRumors Forums | MacRumors lists its forums as an alternative |
| Named by MacRumors and PCMag for user threads | |
| Other forums and social media | PCMag: rely on these for new bug and tip discussions |
Macworld argues the official site is more reliable in most respects but cannot do the same job. In-house articles cannot match a forum’s speed on breaking problems, it writes, because of manpower and clearance from PR and legal. Other sites may pick up forum traffic, where Apple has less control.
How should you use the boards while they last?
For now, do what the outlets say still works: open a thread, search, and read. Save workaround text you still need. Do not plan a new post.
9to5Mac says browse, search, Me Too, and voting work in read-only mode. It does not say those tools last until November 20. Macworld mentions issues such as cracked iPhone Duo screens as typical of the peer troubleshooting the boards hosted.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Apple Support Community close?
The Apple Support Community permanently closes on November 20, 2026. It is already read-only, and new posts are no longer accepted.
Will old Apple Support Community posts stay online?
Apple has not specified what will happen to decades of posts. The Verge presumes they will disappear when the platform shuts down.
Where can I get Apple help after the forums close?
Apple’s notice points only to the official Apple Support site. MacRumors says customers can still contact Apple Support, and names its forums and Reddit.
Can I still sign in or post a reply?
New posts are not accepted, and sign-in leads to an internal Apple employee portal. Browse, search, Me Too, and voting work now in read-only mode.
