Apple Discontinues Over 25 Products in 2025: Complete List of iPhone, MacBook, iPad, and Accessory Retirements

Apple has discontinued over 25 products throughout 2025, marking a significant streamlining of its device portfolio. The discontinuations include seven iPhone models (iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE third-generation), three iPad models (iPad Pro M4, iPad Air M2, 10th-gen iPad), four MacBook models (MacBook Air M3 13-inch, MacBook Air M3 15-inch, MacBook Air M2 13-inch, MacBook Pro 14-inch M4), three Apple Watch models, and numerous accessories. These discontinuations reflect Apple's typical product lifecycle strategy where devices are replaced by newer models with upgraded processors (M4, M5 chips), improved features, and enhanced performance capabilities.^[1][2][3][4]

Understanding Apple's Product Discontinuation Strategy: Why 2025 Saw So Many Retirements

Apple's practice of discontinuing products is not accidental; it reflects a deliberate business strategy designed to streamline product portfolios, encourage ecosystem upgrades, and manage manufacturing efficiency.^[1][2][3]

Product Life Cycle of Apple iPhone [E-Book] - Super Heuristics

The Product Lifecycle Philosophy

Every consumer electronics company, including Apple, follows a product lifecycle management strategy:^[1][2][3][5]

Product Lifecycle Stages:

1.       Introduction: New product launches with significant marketing and consumer attention

2.       Growth: Sales increase as market awareness expands and supply chains mature

3.       Maturity: Product reaches peak sales and market penetration

4.      Decline: Newer models or competing products reduce demand

5.       Discontinuation: Manufacturing ceases; inventory clears through retailers

Apple aggressively manages this lifecycle by discontinuing products in the "decline" stage while maintaining sufficient inventory for sales channels to clear remaining stock.

Why Apple Discontinues Products

Multiple strategic reasons drive Apple's discontinuation decisions:^[1][2][3][5]

Hardware Obsolescence:

·       Newer processors (M5, M4) significantly outperform older chips (M3, M2)

·       Software updates eventually cannot fully optimize older hardware

·       Long-term support becomes impractical for devices running multi-generation-old processors

·       Security vulnerabilities emerge as devices age without optimizations^[3][5][1]

Simplifying Product Lineups:

·       Fewer models reduce manufacturing complexity

·       Streamlined lineups simplify consumer choice (paradoxically improving purchase decisions)

·       Reduced inventory management requirements across global distribution

·       Marketing focus concentrates on current-generation products^[2][1][3]

Encouraging Ecosystem Upgrades:

·       Discontinuing older models creates purchasing pressure for users needing replacements

·       Ecosystem lock-in incentives drive users toward new Apple hardware

·       Profit margins improve as consumers upgrade to premium current-generation devices

·       Accelerated upgrade cycles increase customer lifetime value^[5][1]

Manufacturing Efficiency:

·       Maintaining production of multiple generations increases supply chain complexity

·       Discontinued models free manufacturing capacity for current-generation devices

·       Component suppliers optimize production for fewer SKUs (stock keeping units)

·       Economies of scale improve as volume concentrates on newer models^[2][3][5]

iPhone Discontinuations 2025: Seven Models Retired, Design Language Shifts

2025 marked Apple's most significant iPhone product line consolidation in years, with seven models discontinued and three major design direction changes.^[1][2][3][4]

Apple Readies New iPhone SE Model That Kills the Home Button ...

The iPhone SE Discontinuation: End of an Era

The discontinuation of the iPhone SE (third-generation) in February 2025 represents the most symbolically significant iPhone retirement of the year.^{[1][2][6][3][4][7]}

iPhone SE Historical Significance:

·       Launch Year: March 2016 (original iPhone SE)

·       Generation: Third-generation model discontinued February 2025

·       Lifespan: Nearly nine years of continuous production across three generations

·       Market Position: Apple's only sub-6-inch, affordable iPhone option

What Dies with iPhone SE:

With the iPhone SE's discontinuation, Apple has officially eliminated entire categories of features from its entire iPhone lineup:

 

The Symbolic Meaning:

The iPhone SE's discontinuation represents Apple's definitive statement about iPhone design philosophy:

·       Modern iPhones embrace bezel-less OLED screens exclusively

·       Face ID is the mandatory biometric (no physical home button alternatives)

·       USB-C is the universal standard (no legacy Lightning support)

·       Compact iPhones are no longer market priorities

·       All iPhones must meet premium design standards^[2][3][7][1]

Replacement Strategy:

Apple didn't directly replace iPhone SE with a direct successor. Instead:

·       Budget-conscious users directed toward iPhone 16e (new budget model)

·       Mid-range users steered toward iPhone Air (new form factor)

·       Premium users offered iPhone 17 Pro models

·       The market is deliberately fragmented across price tiers^[3][1][2]

iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Series Discontinuations

In typical Apple fashion, the iPhone 16 Pro generation was discontinued immediately following the iPhone 17 Pro announcement.^[1][2][4]

Discontinued iPhone 16 Models:

 

iPhone 15 and 14 Series Retirement:

Additionally, Apple discontinued the preceding generation:

·       iPhone 15 Plus (discontinued)

·       iPhone 15 (discontinued)

·       iPhone 14 Plus (discontinued)

·       iPhone 14 (discontinued)

This aggressive discontinuation strategy removes all iPhones older than current generation from Apple's official retail channels. Users cannot purchase iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 15 from Apple's website after iPhone 17 announcement—only from third-party retailers with remaining inventory.^[2][3][4][1]

The iPhone Plus Format Fade-Out

The iPhone Plus format, once heralded as a solution for users wanting larger displays, appears to be gradually phased out in favor of the new iPhone Air form factor.^[1][2][3][7]

iPhone Plus Timeline:

·       iPhone 14 Plus: Introduced November 2022 ($949)

·       iPhone 15 Plus: Succeeded iPhone 14 Plus ($949)

·       iPhone 16 Plus: Succeeded iPhone 15 Plus ($949)

·       Discontinuation Signals: Both iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus discontinued in 2025

Writing on Wall for iPhone 16 Plus:

Industry observers expect the iPhone 16 Plus to be discontinued in the next product cycle as Apple transitions to the new iPhone Air form factor:

·       iPhone Air: Ultra-thin design positioning between standard and Pro

·       Form Factor: More distinctive than Plus without Pro features

·       Market Position: Appeals to users wanting something "special" at mid-premium pricing

·       Replacement Narrative: Air replaces Plus as aspirational mid-tier option^[2][3][7][1]

iPad Discontinuations 2025: Generational Upgrades Eliminate Older Models

On the iPad front, 2025's discontinuations focused on processor upgrades rather than design changes, following Apple's typical refresh pattern.^[1][2][3][5]

Apple introduces the powerful new iPad Pro with the M5 chip ...

iPad Pro: M4 Chip Retires After M5 Launch

The iPad Pro with M4 chip was discontinued following the launch of the M5 version, demonstrating Apple's aggressive single-generation product rotation for Pro devices.^[1][2][3][5]

iPad Pro M4 vs. M5 Comparison:

 

Real-World Impact:

The M5 iPad Pro offered primarily processor speed improvements without design changes. For most users, the M4 remains perfectly sufficient for:

·       Web browsing and email

·       Document editing and productivity

·       Photo editing and creative apps

·       Video playback and streaming

·       Light gaming and entertainment^[3][5][1]

However, Apple's discontinuation removes purchasing options at older price points once M5 inventory floods retail channels.^[1][3]

iPad Air: M2 Chip Replaced by M3 Version

The iPad Air with M2 chip was discontinued following the M3 refresh, continuing Apple's practice of single-generation support for Air models.^[1][2][3][5]

iPad Air Positioning:

The iPad Air occupies a unique position in Apple's lineup:

·       More powerful than standard iPad (base processor)

·       Less expensive than iPad Pro (lacks pro features)

·       Target audience: Creative professionals and power users wanting capability without Pro pricing

·       Design: Maintains flat edges and modern aesthetic matching Pro models^[3][1]

10th Generation iPad Retired

The 10th-generation iPad was discontinued after receiving an A16 chip update, demonstrating Apple's even more aggressive refresh cycle for entry-level models.^[1][2][3][5]

Entry-Level iPad Strategy:

Apple's base iPad represents the most frequently updated product line:

·       New model typically launches annually or biennially

·       Older models discontinued immediately after refresh

·       Pricing maintains $329+ entry point

·       Target audience: Students, casual users, enterprise bulk purchases

The 10th-gen retirement follows typical pattern—new model with processor upgrade eliminates previous generation from Apple's retail presence.^[3][1]

MacBook and Mac Discontinuations 2025: M3 and M4 Era Processors Retire

Apple's Mac lineup underwent substantial refreshes in 2025, with MacBook Air M3 models and Mac Studio M2 variants all discontinued.^[1][2][6][3]

MacBook Air M3 Discontinued Apple, 2025 में Apple ने ...

MacBook Air: M3 and M2 Models Discontinued

2025 marked the complete retirement of MacBook Air's M2 and M3 generations, with M4 becoming the new entry-level standard.^[1][2][3][7]

Discontinued MacBook Air Models:

 

Why M3 Generation Was So Short-Lived:

The M3 MacBook Air faced an unusual situation:

·       Launched March 2024 with significant anticipation

·       Lived only approximately 12 months before discontinuation

·       Jumped directly to M4, skipping logical M3 Pro/Max variations

·       Represents one of shortest product cycles in MacBook history^[3][7][1]

Performance Reality:

MacBook Air M3 still offered excellent performance for:

·       General productivity and office work

·       Web development and coding

·       Casual video editing

·       Photo editing and design work

However, M4's generational improvements in GPU performance and machine learning capabilities provided meaningful advantages for professional users.^[1][3]

MacBook Pro: 14-inch M4 Discontinued

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 chip was discontinued following the M5 release, continuing Apple's professional laptop refresh pattern.^[1][2][3]

MacBook Pro M4 vs. M5:

·       M4 Processor: 8-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU

·       M5 Processor: 10-core CPU, up to 12-core GPU

·       GPU Performance: ~25% improvement for graphics-intensive work

·       Design: Identical chassis, no visual changes between generations

·       Price: M5 starts $1,599 (same as M4 launch price)

Professional Impact:

For MacBook Pro users (video editors, software developers, designers), the M5's GPU improvements translate to:

·       Faster 4K/8K video processing

·       Improved performance in professional software (Final Cut Pro, Adobe Creative Suite)

·       Better machine learning inference speeds

·       Enhanced gaming capabilities^[3][1]

Mac Studio: M2 Max and M2 Ultra Discontinuation

The Mac Studio, Apple's desktop powerhouse, saw discontinuation of older M2 generations following M4 Max and M3 Ultra releases.^[1][2][3]

Mac Studio Configuration Changes:

 

Mac Studio Market Position:

Mac Studio occupies a niche position:

·       Professional-grade desktop computer

·       Compact form factor (7.7" cube)

·       Targeted at content creators needing desktop performance without iMac's all-in-one design

·       Premium pricing ($2,999 entry for M4 Max)

The discontinuation of M2 variants reflects Apple's determination to keep Mac Studio lineup fresh despite relatively niche market.^[3][1]

Apple Watch Discontinuations: Series 10, Ultra 2, and SE 2 Retire

Apple's smartwatch lineup saw discontinuation of three models as Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 take their place.^[1][2][3][8]

Discontinued Apple Watch Models:

 

Apple Watch Refresh Cycle:

The Apple Watch represents Apple's most frequently updated wearable:

·       New generation typically launches annually

·       Previous generation discontinued after successor release

·       Aging devices gradually lose feature parity as watchOS updates emphasize new hardware

·       Resale values depreciate rapidly (48-month replacement cycle common)^[3][8][1]

Accessory Discontinuations: The Great Lightning-to-USB-C Transition

Beyond core devices, Apple discontinued numerous accessories in 2025, with most changes reflecting the company's complete transition from Lightning to USB-C standards.^{[1][2][6][3][7]}

Apple Is Killing Lightning To Headphone Adapter For A Reason ...

Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable: Symbolic End

The discontinuation of the Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable represents a symbolic moment in Apple's design philosophy evolution.^[1][2][6][7]

What This Cable Represented:

·       Introduced: 2016 with iPhone 7 (first iPhone without 3.5mm headphone jack)

·       Purpose: Connected legacy 3.5mm headphones/speakers to Lightning devices

·       Now Discontinued: No longer produced or sold by Apple

The Symbolism:

This discontinuation signals Apple's complete elimination of legacy audio connector support:

·       No iPhone has 3.5mm jack since iPhone 6s (2015 era)

·       No iPad Pro has 3.5mm jack

·       All devices now require:

o   Wireless Bluetooth speakers/headphones

o   Lightning-to-3.5mm dongle (discontinued)

o   USB-C adapter (new standard)

o   AirPods or Apple-certified wireless audio^[6][7][1]

Message to Users:

The cable's discontinuation sends clear message: Apple has fully moved beyond the 3.5mm headphone jack era. Users still using wired audio should invest in USB-C adapters before Lightning dongles become impossible to purchase.^[7][1]

MagSafe Charger Upgrades: Qi2 to Qi2.2 Transition

Apple discontinued the original MagSafe Charger with Qi2 support, replacing it with upgraded Qi2.2 version offering faster charging.^[1][2][3]

MagSafe Evolution:

 

Practical Impact:

The Qi2.2 upgrade provided modest improvements:

·       Slightly faster charging capability

·       Better device compatibility

·       Improved thermal management

·       Future-proofing for next-generation devices^[3][1]

Power Adapters: 30W USB-C to 40W Dynamic Adapter

Apple discontinued the 30W USB-C Power Adapter, replacing it with a 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W max capability in select markets.^[1][2][3]

Power Adapter Changes:

 

Market-Specific Discontinuation:

Notably, power adapter changes apply only to specific regions:

·       Affected Markets: US, UK, Canada, Japan, India, and select others

·       Other Regions: May retain older standards temporarily

·       Implication: Apple's supply chains vary by region^[6][3][1]

AirPods Pro 2 to AirPods Pro 3: Heart Rate Sensor Addition

AirPods Pro 2 were discontinued following the launch of AirPods Pro 3, which added health monitoring features.^[1][2][3][8]

AirPods Pro Evolution:

 

Health Monitoring Integration:

The heart rate sensor enables:

·       Real-time heart rate monitoring during workouts

·       Integration with Apple Health app

·       Fitness tracking and workout analytics

·       Long-term health trend monitoring^[3][8][1]

Vision Pro: M2 to M5 Upgrade

The original Vision Pro with M2 chip was discontinued following the M5 version release in October 2025.^[1][2][3][9]

Vision Pro Processor Upgrade:

 

Market Positioning:

Vision Pro remains niche product with limited mainstream adoption:

·       Premium price ($3,499+)

·       Specialized use cases (professional design, enterprise training)

·       Small installed base

·       Discontinuation signals continued focus on pro segment^[2][3][1]

Complete List of 25 Discontinued Apple Products in 2025

Here is the comprehensive list of all Apple devices discontinued during 2025:^{[1][2][3][4][8]}

iPhones (7 models)

1.       iPhone 16 Pro Max

2.       iPhone 16 Pro

3.       iPhone 15 Plus

4.      iPhone 15

5.       iPhone 14 Plus

6.      iPhone 14

7.       iPhone SE (3rd generation)

iPads (3 models)

8.      iPad Pro (M4 chip)

9.      iPad Air (M2 chip)

10.   iPad (10th generation)

Apple Watches (3 models)

11.    Apple Watch Ultra 2

12.    Apple Watch Series 10

13.    Apple Watch SE 2

MacBooks (4 models)

14.   MacBook Air 13-inch (M3 chip)

15.    MacBook Air 15-inch (M3 chip)

16.   MacBook Air 13-inch (M2 chip)

17.    MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 chip)

Other Devices (2 models)

18.   Mac Studio (M2 Max version)

19.   Mac Studio (M2 Ultra version)

20.  Apple Vision Pro (M2 chip)

Accessories (5+ items)

21.    AirPods Pro 2

22.   MagSafe Charger with Qi2

23.   30W USB-C Power Adapter

24.   Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable

25.   MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter

26.   (Additional region-specific chargers)

What This Means for Apple Users: Practical Implications

The wholesale discontinuation of 25+ products carries practical implications for existing device owners and those considering purchases.^[1][2][5]

Product Life Cycle Explained: Stage and Examples

For Existing Device Owners

Apple's discontinuations don't impact existing device functionality, but they affect long-term support:^[1][5]

Software Support Timeline:

·       Discontinued Devices: Continue receiving software updates through Apple's standard support cycle (typically 5-7 years)

·       Example: iPhone 14 discontinued in 2025 but will receive iOS updates through approximately 2029-2030

·       Security Updates: Security patches available beyond major OS updates

·       New Features: Later OS versions may limit features on older devices (ex: AI features limited to latest iPhones)

Accessory Availability:

·       Discontinued Accessories: Become harder to find as inventory clears

·       Third-Party Options: Compatible third-party accessories remain available

·       Example: MagSafe chargers from non-Apple manufacturers provide similar functionality

·       Future Adaptability: USB-C standard ensures long-term accessory compatibility across devices

For Consumers Considering Purchases

The discontinuation wave creates strategic opportunities and considerations:^[1][5]

Potential Bargains:

·       Discontinued Models: Remaining inventory may see price reductions at third-party retailers

·       Timing: Prices may drop as retailers clear stock before newer models saturate market

·       Caveat: Discontinued devices receive shorter remaining support lifecycles

·       Strategy: Consider whether price savings justify reduced support period^[5][1]

New Model Advantages:

·       Longer Support Timeline: Current-generation devices receive full 5-7 year support

·       Latest Features: New devices include newest capabilities and optimizations

·       Better Long-Term Value: Despite higher initial cost, longer support provides better value

·       Recommendation: For users keeping devices 4+ years, current-generation makes more sense^[1][5]

Resale Value Implications

Discontinuation dramatically impacts resale market:^[1][5]

Immediate Impact:

·       Discontinued devices suddenly become "previous generation"

·       Market prices typically drop 20-30% within months of discontinuation

·       Used market flooding as consumers upgrade

Long-Term Trends:

·       Prices stabilize after 6-12 months

·       Eventually become "vintage" or "collectible" (for certain models)

·       iPhone models can maintain some value through bulk enterprise sales

Strategy for Existing Owners:

If selling discontinued devices:

·       Sell quickly (within weeks of discontinuation) for best prices

·       Expect prices to drop as new model availability increases

·       Later sales occur at significant discount ($200+ drops typical)^[5][1]

Future Outlook: What to Expect in 2026

Based on 2025's discontinuation patterns, certain predictions emerge for 2026 product cycles.^[9]

Expected 2026 Discontinuations

Following typical Apple patterns, expect these discontinuations in 2026:^[9]

iPhones:

·       iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air models from 2025 discontinuation

·       iPhone 16 Plus likely discontinuation (replaced by iPhone Air Plus or continued Air line)

MacBooks:

·       MacBook Air M4 models discontinuation (replaced by M5)

·       Potential OLED display introduction for MacBook Pro (rumored for 2026)

Other Devices:

·       AirTag 1st generation (rumored AirTag 2 coming early 2026)

·       Older Vision Pro M5 (potential Vision Air introduction rumored)

·       iPad Pro M5 (replaced by M6 or next-generation chip)

Accessory Updates:

·       Further USB-C ecosystem consolidation

·       Continued charging standard upgrades

·       Potential new charging speeds or standards^[9]

Conclusion: Apple's Product Lifecycle Management in Full Effect

The discontinuation of over 25 Apple products in 2025 represents the company's standard-operating product lifecycle management, executed annually with precision and predictability.^[1][2][3][5]

These discontinuations don't indicate product failures or recalls—they're normal business evolution where successful products reach natural end-of-life and make room for next-generation hardware. For Apple consumers, the key understanding is that discontinuation doesn't mean devices become unusable; it means Apple shifts focus to newer models while existing devices continue receiving years of support.

For those considering Apple purchases, 2025's discontinuation wave illustrates an important principle: buy the current-generation device that matches your needs, not the discontinued model with marginal savings. The longer support timeline and feature availability of current-generation devices typically outweighs short-term cost savings from older inventory clearance.

As 2026 approaches, expect similar discontinuation patterns as Apple introduces next-generation M6 Macs, iPhone 18 series, and other refreshed products—the inevitable cycle of product evolution in consumer electronics.