Apple Retires More Popular Devices in 2026
Global technology giant Apple is well known for allowing customers to use its devices for many years. However, over time, the company is forced to phase out older devices and their functionality. After launching new models of iPhones, Apple Watches, MacBooks, or displays, Apple often removes older models from the market or stops providing them with new software updates. In 2026, the company has once again begun phasing out several popular products.
Changes to Smartphones and Tracking Devices
Apple has discontinued sales of the ‘iPhone 16e’, which was launched last year as an affordable iPhone, and introduced the new ‘iPhone 17e’ at the same price with twice the storage capacity. As a result, the older 16e model has been removed from Apple’s official product lineup.
Similarly, production of the first-generation ‘AirTag’, launched in 2021, has been discontinued following the introduction of a new version featuring the more powerful U2 chip and a louder speaker.
Meanwhile, once the new ‘iPhone 18 Pro’ series hits the market, the iPhone 17 Pro models launched this year will be removed from Apple’s main stores.
Television, Laptops and Tablets
With the launch of the ‘tvOS 27’ operating system expected this year, software support is ending for the 2015 ‘Apple TV HD’ and the first-generation ‘Apple TV 4K’, launched in 2017.
In the computer and laptop segment, the arrival of new M5-powered MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models has led Apple to remove the M4-powered laptops from its lineup. Similarly, following the launch of the new M4-powered iPad Air, Apple has officially discontinued sales of the M3 iPad Air.
Smartwatches, Displays and Desktops
The ‘watchOS 27’ update has come as a major blow to Apple fans. With the new operating system, the Apple Watch Series 6 through Series 8, the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, and the second-generation Apple Watch SE will no longer receive new features.
In the display segment, the older ‘Pro Display XDR’ has been replaced by the ‘Studio Display XDR’, which features a 120Hz refresh rate.
In addition, citing limited repair and component-replacement options and high costs, Apple has discontinued its long-running ‘Mac Pro’ desktop lineup and positioned the powerful ‘Mac Studio’ as its latest high-end desktop.
//DBTech/BMT/OR//
