In 2025, Apple has quietly phased out a wide range of familiar products - from iPhones and iPads to MacBooks and AirPods - as part of a broad effort to streamline its lineup and focus on next-generation innovation.

This “product bloodbath” comes alongside the launch of new devices like the iPhone 17 and AirPods Pro 3, reflecting Apple’s evolving strategy and its desire to eliminate models that no longer align with its roadmap or have reached the end of their commercial lifespan.

iPhones: farewell to 5 models, including Pro flagships

Apple officially discontinued five iPhone models this year. Most notably, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max - last year’s flagships boasting 6.9-inch displays, high-capacity batteries, and A18 Pro chips - have been pulled from shelves. This move was largely expected, as Apple typically only retains the latest Pro generation in its lineup. With the arrival of the iPhone 17 and its numerous upgrades, the transition was swift.

In addition, Apple has retired the entire iPhone Plus line, once seen as a larger-screen alternative for users who didn’t need the power of the Pro range. The iPhone Air now fills that gap with a thinner, lighter form factor that prioritizes design over raw performance. However, this move has proven divisive, as the compromises in functionality to achieve the slim build have sparked criticism among users.

iPads: iPad 10 makes way for iPad 11

On the tablet front, Apple has stopped selling the iPad 10 (released in 2022), following the launch of the iPad 11. While the iPad 10 was no slouch - featuring an A14 Bionic chip, a 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display, and a 12MP camera - Apple deemed it redundant alongside the new model. The iPad 11 features the A16 chip, better performance across CPU, GPU, and battery, and is the only iPad that supports Apple Intelligence.

Apple Watch: full refresh across all tiers

The Apple Watch family also saw a sweeping update. The Apple Watch Series 10 has been replaced by the Series 11, which offers incremental improvements such as ceramic-coated Ion-X glass, slightly better battery life, and 5G support.

The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) was succeeded by the SE 3, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 was discontinued in favor of the Ultra 3. The latter represents a major leap with a faster S10 chip, a larger and brighter display, improved battery life, and faster charging.

MacBooks: M2 and M3 versions discontinued

Apple simultaneously removed both the M2 and M3 MacBook Air models from its store upon releasing the MacBook Air M4 in March. This move was deemed strategic, as the M4 version retained the same pricing - USD 999 for the 13-inch model and USD 1,199 for the 15-inch - but delivered significantly improved performance. Additionally, the high production cost of the M3 chip made the model less economically viable.

Apple also discontinued two Mac Studio models running on the M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips. These have been replaced by a new generation, with the M4 Max serving as the standard configuration and the M3 Ultra as the flagship option.

Accessories: AirPods Pro 2 bows out

In the accessories segment, Apple said goodbye to the AirPods Pro 2 as it launched the AirPods Pro 3 in September. Priced the same at USD 249, the third-generation AirPods offer better noise cancellation, longer battery life, and improved earbud design. However, some users have reported mild irritation from the new silicone tips, although Apple has yet to issue a formal response.

Du Lam