November 12, 2026, 3:26 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Problems with Wi-Fi on the iPhone, a crashing app on the iPad, or a printer that the Mac no longer recognizes: Until now, Apple users could search for solutions and ask for help from other users in a dedicated help forum. That will soon end. On November 20, 2026, Apple will shut down the forum after nearly 30 years. New questions and answers can no longer be posted.
Apple’s Help Forum Has Been Around Since 1998
Why Apple is ending its forum is not clear from the announcement. The company told the portal “MacRumors” only that the decision was made after a careful review of its strategy and customer needs.
The forum has a long history and even predates the iPhone. Apple launched the platform in 1998 under the name “Apple Tech Exchange.” It later became “Apple Discussions,” and since 2011, it has been known as “Apple Support Communities.” Since 2022, the platform has been called “Apple Support Community.” Over nearly three decades, users have gathered questions, answers, and tips on numerous generations of Apple devices.
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What Will Happen to the Existing Posts?
The old discussions in the forum are still accessible. However, it is unclear if this will remain the case after the shutdown. For owners of older devices, the posts could still be helpful. When searching for the exact wording of an error message, an older post may already describe a suitable solution.
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Those who need support in the future should use Apple’s support website. There, users can first select the affected device, such as an iPhone or a Mac. For common issues, guides are available that walk users through the respective settings step by step. If that’s not enough, customer service can be contacted via chat or phone, depending on the issue.
Exchange Only in Independent Forums in the Future
Those who want to exchange directly with other Apple users will have to turn to independent forums after the end of the “Apple Support Community.” Many of these offer dedicated sections for specific devices. Users can search for experiences with their model or post a new question. Those who have independently solved a problem can also share the solution path, helping other users with the same issue.