In 2025, Apple made one of its most aggressive product clean-ups in recent years. Nearly 25 devices and accessories were quietly removed from sale, reshaping Apple’s ecosystem and signaling a clear break from legacy hardware.
From the end of the Home button era to the disappearance of several Mac and Apple Watch models, these changes affect millions of users worldwide—especially those planning upgrades in 2026.
On the surface, this appears to be a routine refresh cycle—older models making way for newer, faster versions. In reality, the scale and symbolism of these exits point to something larger: Apple is deliberately narrowing its ecosystem, cutting legacy designs, and accelerating its shift toward a unified hardware philosophy built around Face ID, OLED displays, Apple silicon, and USB-C.
For consumers, the changes raise important questions. What happens to discontinued devices? Should users upgrade now or hold on longer? And what does this mean for Apple’s future product strategy?
Here is a clear, user-focused breakdown of everything Apple discontinued in 2025 and why it matters now..
iPhone SE Officially Retired: The End of an Era
Perhaps the most symbolic change of the year was the retirement of the iPhone SE. Apple discontinued the third-generation iPhone SE in February 2025 following the launch of the iPhone 16e.
With this move, Apple permanently closed a chapter that began in 2016—a chapter defined by compact form factors, Touch ID, and familiarity.
The implications are significant. With the SE gone, Apple no longer sells any iPhone that includes:
In one stroke, Apple fully committed to Face ID, OLED panels, and USB-C across its entire iPhone lineup.
Originally designed as a budget-friendly and compact alternative, the iPhone SE reused the design of the iPhone 5s, then later the iPhone 8, while incorporating newer processors. For years, it served users who preferred smaller phones or fingerprint security. In 2025, that refuge officially disappeared.
iPhone Plus Models Quietly Fade Away
Another notable retreat occurred with the gradual disappearance of the iPhone Plus lineup. Apple discontinued the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus during 2025. Industry signals suggest the iPhone 16 Plus may follow a similar path.
Rather than offering a large non-Pro option, Apple appears to be pivoting toward an ultra-thin “Air” concept that prioritizes portability over screen size. If this strategy continues, the Plus branding—once positioned as a big-screen alternative—may quietly fade into Apple history.
Seven iPhone Models Discontinued in 2025
In total, Apple removed seven iPhone models from active sale during 2025:
The Pro models exited following the introduction of the iPhone 17 Pro series, while older standard models were retired to reduce overlap and simplify purchasing decisions.
For users, Apple’s message is clear: fewer choices, but clearer differentiation between tiers.
iPads Updated Internally, Older Models Dropped
Apple’s iPad lineup saw fewer dramatic changes in design during 2025. Instead, the company focused on silicon upgrades, which led to the quiet retirement of several models.
Discontinued iPads include:
While these devices remained capable, Apple’s strategy emphasizes keeping only the most recent chip variants on sale. This reduces internal competition and reinforces the performance narrative around Apple silicon.
Apple Watch Lineup Trimmed Back
The Apple Watch followed a similar pattern. With the launch of the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE (3rd generation), several older models were discontinued:
Interestingly, none of the new Apple Watch models introduced a brand-new chip this year. The changes were evolutionary, focusing on features and refinements rather than raw performance.
Macs See a Major Lineup Clean-Up
Mac users experienced one of the most significant shake-ups in 2025. Apple discontinued multiple Mac configurations as it streamlined its desktop and laptop offerings.
The discontinued Mac models include:
This move effectively eliminated overlapping configurations and reinforced Apple’s preference for fewer, clearly defined options. For buyers, it simplifies decisions but reduces flexibility for those seeking specific price-performance combinations.
Accessories Trimmed as USB-C Transition Nears Completion
Beyond core devices, Apple also refined its accessories portfolio in 2025.
Key changes include:
The removal of the Lightning audio adapter is particularly symbolic, underscoring Apple’s near-complete transition to USB-C across devices and accessories. These changes were rolled out selectively across markets including the US, UK, India, Japan, and Canada.
What This Means for Existing Users
For current Apple users, a discontinued product does not mean immediate obsolescence. Apple typically continues software updates and service support for several years after a device is pulled from sale.
However, there are practical considerations:
For buyers considering older models at discounted prices, the decision comes down to longevity versus savings.
Apple’s Bigger Strategy Comes Into Focus
The 2025 discontinuation wave highlights a broader strategic shift. Apple is no longer interested in maintaining legacy designs for niche audiences. Instead, it is prioritizing:
While this approach may alienate users who preferred smaller phones or fingerprint authentication, it positions Apple for tighter ecosystem integration and simpler product storytelling.
👉 Also Read: Apple iOS 26.3.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s 2025 product reset marks the end of several familiar devices—and the philosophies behind them. The retirement of the iPhone SE alone symbolizes Apple’s full departure from its past design language.
For users, the message is clear: the future of Apple hardware is streamlined, modern, and uncompromising. Whether that future feels exciting or restrictive depends largely on what you valued most in Apple’s older lineup.
