Apple appears ready to retire more than a dozen popular products in tandem with its September 9 hardware event. As new devices arrive, long-standing favorites from the iPhone, Apple Watch, HomePod, AirPods, and Apple TV lines are expected to be discontinued. The full list of possible phase-outs includes both flagship and older models.
The devices most likely to be dropped include iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Plus. On the wearable side, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 are expected to make room for newer generations. Audio products such as AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation also appear on the chopping block. Finally, Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), HomePod mini (1st generation), and HomePod (2nd generation) may be retired. These moves align with Apple’s regular practice of ending production for older models once new versions are introduced.
Key Uncertainties Ahead of the Launch
While some retirements are almost certain—such as the Pro iPhones being replaced by new models—others are more speculative. Whether Apple will ditch the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is still in question. Laboring under considerable price pressures, Apple might keep some older models around longer than usual, possibly offering them at reduced prices.
Another factor complicating matters: reports suggest that iPhone 18 and a new iPhone Air 2 might not debut until early 2027. That delay could stretch the lifelines of current devices like the iPhone 16, especially if Apple opts to delay phase-outs until replacements are available. Such a strategy would help fill gaps in the lineup without leaving customers without choices.
Why This Matters
This purge is potentially one of Apple’s largest in recent memory. Discontinuing ten or more products simultaneously could reshape its product portfolio substantially, streamlining what the company offers while directing attention toward its newest devices. From a consumer standpoint, these shifts often mean older models become harder to find and may drop in price.
With Apple’s event less than a week away, price shoppers and loyal users should watch closely for official confirmation from the company. Pricing revisions, clearance sales, and stock shortages often prelude large-scale retirements like this.
Analysis: This massive sweep signals more than product retirement—it’s a strategic reset. Apple is recalibrating its lineup to highlight the next generation of hardware amid rising costs and shifting consumer expectations. The upcoming September unveilings won’t just introduce new gadgets—they’ll determine which products survive in stores and in public mindshare. Watch for how Apple manages inventory, pricing, and messaging; these clues could reveal how aggressively it’s pivoting into its future offerings.
