Apple Discontinued 25 Devices in 2025: iPhone SE, MacBook Air M3 and More

Published on: December 26, 2025

Apple Discontinued 25 Devices in 2025: iPhone SE, MacBook Air M3 and More

As 2025 draws to a close, Apple’s product lineup looks significantly leaner than it did at the beginning of the year. Over the past 12 months, the company quietly discontinued around 25 devices and accessories across its iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and audio portfolios.

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Most exits followed Apple’s familiar upgrade cycle, with older models stepping aside for newer, chip-upgraded versions. However, some decisions marked deeper shifts, particularly in the iPhone range, where Apple officially ended the Home button era with the retirement of the iPhone SE. From phones and laptops to wearables and accessories, the changes reflect Apple’s continued move towards a more streamlined and focused ecosystem.

Key Takeaways: Apple Discontinued Devices in 2025

Apple discontinued around 25 devices and accessories during 2025
The iPhone SE lineup was officially retired in February after the launch of iPhone 16e
Apple no longer sells any iPhone with a Home button, Touch ID, LCD display, sub-6-inch screen, or Lightning port
Seven iPhone models were discontinued, including Pro, Plus and SE variants
Older iPads, Apple Watches and Macs were phased out as newer configurations arrived
Several accessories, including the Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable, were discontinued as Apple continued its shift to USB-C

Apple’s Product Lineup Looks Leaner in 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, Apple’s shelves look very different from how they did at the start of the year. Quietly but decisively, the company discontinued around 25 products over the past 12 months. The exits covered a wide range of categories, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearables and accessories.

Most of these changes followed Apple’s long-established pattern of retiring older models once updated versions with newer chips are introduced. However, a few decisions stood out, particularly those that marked the end of long-running design choices that had defined Apple products for nearly a decade.

iPhone SE Officially Retired, Ending the Home Button Era

The most symbolic change of 2025 came with the discontinuation of the iPhone SE lineup. Apple pulled the plug on the third-generation iPhone SE in February after launching the iPhone 16e, officially closing a chapter that began in 2016.

With the iPhone SE gone, Apple no longer sells any iPhone that features:

A Home button
Touch ID
An LCD display
A sub-6-inch screen
A Lightning port

This marked a clean break from Apple’s past design philosophy and underlined the company’s full transition towards Face ID, OLED displays and USB-C connectivity.

Originally launched as a compact and familiar option, the first iPhone SE borrowed the design of the iPhone 5s while offering newer internal hardware. Later iterations adopted the iPhone 8 design in 2020 and 2022. For users who preferred smaller phones or fingerprint authentication, the SE line remained the last refuge. In 2025, that refuge officially disappeared.

iPhone Plus Models Begin Fading Out

Another notable shift in Apple’s smartphone strategy involved the gradual phase-out of the iPhone Plus lineup. During 2025, Apple discontinued both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus.

The future of the Plus branding also appeared uncertain, with signs suggesting the iPhone 16 Plus could be next. Apple appeared to be shifting focus towards the ultra-thin iPhone Air, which is expected to replace the Plus concept altogether. If this transition continues, the Plus branding may quietly fade from Apple’s lineup.

Seven iPhone Models Discontinued in 2025

In total, Apple discontinued seven iPhone models during the year. These included:

iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone SE (3rd generation)

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max were phased out after making way for the iPhone 17 Pro series, while older standard and Plus models were discontinued as newer generations arrived.

iPad Updates Focused on Performance

On the iPad front, 2025 saw fewer visible changes. Apple focused largely on performance upgrades rather than redesigns. As new variants launched, several existing models were quietly discontinued.

The discontinued iPad models included:

iPad Pro with the M4 chip
iPad Air powered by the M2 chip
10th-generation iPad

While the changes were mostly internal, the refresh cycle still contributed to Apple’s growing list of retired devices.

Apple Watch Lineup Trimmed Back

Apple’s smartwatch lineup followed a similar pattern. With the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Watch SE 3, several older models exited Apple Stores without much fanfare.

Discontinued Apple Watch models in 2025 included:

Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch SE 2

Interestingly, none of the new Apple Watch models introduced a brand-new chip, making these updates feel evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

Mac Lineup Sees a Major Clean-Up

Mac users also witnessed a significant shake-up in 2025. Apple streamlined its Mac lineup by discontinuing several overlapping configurations as it transitioned to newer models.

The Macs phased out during the year included:

Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips
14-inch MacBook Pro with M4
13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with M3
13-inch MacBook Air with M2

This clean-up effectively reduced redundancy and simplified Apple’s Mac offerings.

Accessories Updated as Apple Moves Fully to USB-C

Beyond core devices, Apple also refined its accessory lineup. The AirPods Pro 2 were replaced by AirPods Pro 3, while the original Vision Pro with an M2 chip gave way to a newer version.

One of the most symbolic changes was the discontinuation of the Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable, highlighting Apple’s continued transition away from Lightning and towards USB-C. Some accessory updates were rolled out selectively across markets including the US, UK, India, Japan and Canada.

What These Changes Signal for Apple’s Ecosystem

Apple’s decision to discontinue around 25 devices and accessories in 2025 reflected a broader effort to streamline its ecosystem. By reducing overlap across product categories and fully embracing newer standards, the company reshaped its lineup for the years ahead.

While many of the exits followed predictable upgrade cycles, others marked the end of long-standing features that once defined Apple products. For users, the changes signalled a clearer, more focused range of devices, albeit one that left behind familiar designs that had persisted for nearly a decade.

Material Obsession vs True Purpose

As technology evolves, those with financial comfort often upgrade devices effortlessly, while many middle-class families stretch budgets, take instalments, or feel social pressure driven by online comparisons. This growing race for constant upgrades often leads to stress, dissatisfaction, and misplaced priorities.

Even some spiritual figures are seen participating in displays of luxury, raising questions about the true connection between material show and inner growth. In reality, every possession is temporary, and one day everything is left behind. A wise person reflects on life’s deeper purpose.

According to the Knowledge of Tatvdarshi Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, true fulfilment comes not from competition or display, but from inner satisfaction gained through True Devotion and Right Spiritual Knowledge.

Understanding this helps individuals update themselves inwardly, not compete outwardly, and realise that human life is meant for meaningful spiritual progress, not endless material comparison.