The Great Transition: 25 Apple Products Discontinued in 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, Apple has completed one of its most aggressive hardware refreshes in history. According to recent reports from MacRumors and India Today, the tech giant discontinued 25 different products this year.
This massive "spring cleaning" wasn't just about routine updates; it marked the end of an era for iconic features like the Home button and the Lightning port, while signaling a major shift in how Apple tiers its mobile and computing lineups.
The End of an Era: iPhone Discontinuations
The most significant changes occurred within the iPhone family. 2025 saw the final death knell for the classic iPhone design and the beginning of a "slimmer" future.
1. The Death of the iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
In February 2025, Apple launched the iPhone 16e, effectively killing the 3rd-generation iPhone SE. This move was monumental as it officially retired the physical Home button and Touch ID from the iPhone lineup. The 16e introduced an all-screen design with Face ID, bringing Apple’s "budget" tier into the modern age.
2. Phasing out the "Plus"
Apple began the process of sunsetting the "Plus" model, discontinuing the iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 14 Plus. This aligns with reports that Apple is pivoting toward a new "iPhone Air" or "iPhone 17 Slim" category for 2026, favoring portability and thinness over large-format mid-range screens.
3. Flagship Cycles
As is tradition, the launch of the iPhone 17 series led to the immediate discontinuation of:
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 (Standard)
iPad Updates: The Chip Chase
The iPad lineup saw a "spec-bump" frenzy in 2025. To keep up with Apple Intelligence requirements, older silicon was phased out rapidly.
- iPad Pro (M4 models): Replaced by the M5-chip variants.
- iPad Air (M2 models): The 11-inch and 13-inch M2 models were discontinued to make room for the M3 and M4 iterations.
- iPad 10th Generation: Finally retired in favor of a new entry-level model featuring the A16 Bionic, ensuring all iPads currently sold by Apple support more advanced software features.
Apple Watch: Yearly Iterations
The Apple Watch lineup remained consistent but saw the retirement of three major pillars:
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: Replaced by the Ultra 3 (featuring a new S11 chip and improved power efficiency).
- Apple Watch Series 10: Discontinued for the Series 11.
- Apple Watch SE 2: The aging budget watch was replaced by the SE 3, which reportedly moved to a plastic-composite casing to lower costs and target younger users.
Mac Lineup Shifts: M4 Takes Over
2025 was the year the M4 chip became the standard across the board. This led to the clearing of M2 and M3 inventory:
- Mac Studio (M2 Max/Ultra): These powerhouses were finally retired for M4 Max and M4 Ultra versions.
- Mac Pro (M2 Ultra): Updated to the M4 Ultra.
- MacBook Air (M3 models): Both the 13-inch and 15-inch M3 models were phased out as the M4 MacBook Air became the primary consumer laptop.
- MacBook Pro (Early M4 models): The initial M4 MBP launch in late 2024 was refreshed by late 2025, leading to the discontinuation of the base M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max 14/16-inch models from the previous cycle.
Accessories and the Vision Pro
Perhaps the most surprising discontinuation was the original Apple Vision Pro (M2). Apple replaced it with an updated version (featuring the M5 chip) to better handle complex spatial computing tasks.
Additionally, Apple cleared out several legacy accessories:
- AirPods Pro 2: Replaced by AirPods Pro 3 with improved ANC.
- Lightning Cables & Older MagSafe Duo Chargers: As part of the EU-mandated transition and internal strategy, Apple has almost entirely moved its retail shelves to USB-C exclusive accessories.
Implications and the 2026 Outlook
The "Class of 2025" discontinuations reveal a clear strategy: Unified Silicon and Design. By killing the SE and the iPad 10, Apple has ensured that every mobile device it sells now follows the "notch/Dynamic Island" design language.
Looking ahead to 2026, the focus will likely shift to the rumored iPhone Air, a device intended to bridge the gap between the standard and Pro models. With the Lightning port and Home button now officially relics of the past, Apple’s ecosystem is more streamlined than it has been in a decade.
