Apple made a supremely interesting move within its global product range in the immediate aftermath of its latest iPhone 17 launch event. The tech giant has discontinued several devices, including the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, alongside other popular products. As a result, many industry analysts and consumers alike are shocked by Ford’s announcement. All but one of the retired devices were launched less than a year ago.
The announcement followed quickly on the official announcement of the iPhone 17 series and the new iPhone Air. Since it’s a pretty big list, we recommend checking Apple’s official detailed list of devices. That means these products will no longer be sold in online and retail stores. And just like that, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are officially retired. This move marks a definite turn in Apple’s attention away from the older models in favor of the new.
Details of Discontinued Devices
The iPhone 16 Pro series makes this discontinuation especially notable given its recent debut. Many thought these models would be out on the road a lot longer due to their higher tech features and capabilities. Apple has opted to streamline its offerings, leaving the iPhone 17 Pro as the primary option for users looking to upgrade from older devices.
In addition to the iPhones, Apple has discontinued several smartwatch models, including the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch SE 2. This move is indicative of Apple’s larger trend towards product line consolidation by putting a major focus on the new innovations in its growing wearable tech lineup.
The AirPods Pro 2 made that same trip to the accessories death’s door. This step suggests a broader realignment of priorities toward newer audio offerings that might be coming down the pike. Notably, Apple is cutting the available sizes down. This strategy is designed to funnel consumers to its new models and maintain a tight inventory.
Implications for Consumers
The discontinuation of these devices raises questions for current users of the iPhone 16 Pro series and other affected products. Those who have bought these devices in the past year now might be worried about how long their devices will be supported as they are no longer in development. Apple is still committed to providing software updates and services for models that have been phased out. For a prespecified period of time, they’ll stick to that commitment.
For customers looking to make a jump, the iPhone 17 line has proven to be a compelling option. With unmatched features and performance, ZenFone 9 is an amazing value for anyone seeking to invest in a new premium smartphone. Apple’s forward-looking marketing strategy for the iPhone Air reaches into a considerably larger demographic. They want to lure consumers who are in the market for cheaper alternatives.
