Apple quietly moves 24 devices to ‘vintage’ list: an entire era ends
Here's what's thrown into this list.
Like many tech companies, Apple regularly retires older products to make room for new models. But 2025 was an exceptional year even for the company. It saw a record number of devices removed in 12 months, from iPhones and iPads to Macs, Apple Watches, and accessories.
You may also like:
- Apple’s ‘vintage’ devices list has been expanded
- Another iPhone joins Apple’s ‘vintage’ devices list
A decision of this magnitude clearly points the way: Apple is decisively saying goodbye to previous generations of technology and rapidly unifying the ecosystem.
The end of the classic iPhone with the “Home” button
The discontinuation of the third-generation “iPhone SE” was particularly symbolic. It was the iPhone that had a physical “Home” button, a ‘Touch ID” fingerprint scanner, an LCD screen, and a “Lightning” connector.
The modern focus is clear: Face ID, OLED displays, USB-C ports, and larger screen sizes are becoming the new standard. This decision effectively closed a whole chapter on the “old” iPhone era.
iPhone line: seven models are leaving the market
Apple has also discontinued producing several standard iPhone models. These include the “iPhone 14 Plus” and “iPhone 15 Plus”, as well as several previous models.
In total, seven different iPhone versions have been discontinued by 2025. This means that buyers are offered a smaller but more clearly segmented selection, focused on newer generations.
iPad and Mac: Quiet but significant changes
The changes in tablets and computers were less dramatic, but maintained the same logic. The older “iPad Pro” with M4, the “iPad Air” with M2, and several “MacBook Air” models with M2 and M3 processors were discontinued.
The Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra, as well as certain MacBook Pro variants, have also disappeared from the lineup. They are now being replaced by newer versions focused on higher performance and energy efficiency.
The “Mac Studio” with M2 Max and M2 Ultra, as well as certain “MacBook Pro” variants, have also disappeared from the lineup. They are now being replaced by newer versions focused on higher performance and energy efficiency.
Apple Watch, AirPods, and accessories: only the latest are left
In the wearables segment, the “Apple Watch Series 10”, “Ultra 2”, and “SE” (second generation). They have been continuously updated with new health, performance, and battery features.
The “AirPods Pro 2” suffered the same fate – they were replaced by the next generation of headphones.
Interesting detail: the closure of the “Lightning” era is particularly noticeable in accessories. Several adapters and chargers have been discontinued, and the “Lightning” 3.5mm cable has become one of the last relics of this connector, which is also being retired.
Why is Apple doing this, and what does it mean for users?
The direction is clear: a unified, modern ecosystem dominated by USB-C, the latest generation of chips, and a seamless design.
For consumers, this means faster updates, longer support times for new models – but it also means that there is less and less room for older technology. If you’re using one of the discontinued devices, it will continue to work, but you may receive fewer software updates and accessories in the future.
Credits:
Images:
