As the curtain falls on 2025, Apple enthusiasts and industry watchers are taking stock of a significant shift within Cupertino’s vast ecosystem. Quietly but decisively, Apple has culled a remarkable 25 devices and accessories from its active product lineup over the past year. This isn’t just a routine refresh; it’s a clear signal of a more streamlined era, pushing specific product lines towards new horizons. While many of these exits were anticipated, paving the way for newer, more powerful iterations, some changes mark pivotal moments, especially for the iconic iPhone. This year, Apple discontinued 25 devices in 2025, a move that reshapes its consumer offerings.
The most striking transformation unfolded in the iPhone segment, where Apple has finally bid farewell to some deeply ingrained design philosophies. The most significant move was the discontinuation of the third-generation iPhone SE in February, shortly after the iPhone 16e’s launch. This bold step effectively closes a chapter that began in 2016. With this single decision, Apple no longer offers any iPhone featuring a Home button, Touch ID, an LCD display, a screen smaller than 6 inches, or the venerable Lightning port. It’s a clean, unequivocal break from the past, clearly indicating the future direction of the iPhone experience. The original iPhone SE, once a beloved compact option, and its subsequent iterations, which held onto the iPhone 8 design, are now officially part of history.
Another gradual exit has been the iPhone Plus series. Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus were discontinued this year, with strong indications that the iPhone 16 Plus will follow suit. The Cupertino giant appears to be shifting its focus towards the ultra-thin iPhone Air, suggesting that a return of the Plus model is highly unlikely. Overall, Apple discontinued seven iPhone models in 2025. These include the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro (making way for the iPhone 17 Pro series), alongside the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and the third-generation iPhone SE. This comprehensive culling highlights a strategic re-evaluation of the company’s smartphone portfolio, where Apple discontinued 25 devices in 2025 across its various product categories.
Apple Discontinued 25 Devices in 2025: A Strategic Product Evolution
Moving beyond smartphones, 2025 brought strategic internal upgrades to the iPad family rather than radical redesigns. Faster chips were integrated across the board, leading to the discontinuation of the iPad Pro with the M4 chip, the iPad Air with the M2 chip, and the 10th-generation iPad. Each of these beloved devices was replaced by newer variants, maintaining Apple’s commitment to performance enhancements. This proactive strategy ensures that as Apple discontinued 25 devices in 2025, it simultaneously propelled its remaining lineup forward.
The Apple Watch line followed a similar upgrade trajectory. While the Apple Watch Series 11 offered a modest improvement over its predecessor, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Watch SE 3 introduced more substantial advancements. Consequently, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch SE 2 were all quietly retired. Interestingly, none of these new models featured a completely new chip, rendering these updates more iterative than revolutionary for many users. The fact that Apple discontinued 25 devices in 2025 demonstrates a methodical approach to managing its vast product range.
Mac users also witnessed a comprehensive clean-up of the product portfolio. Apple discontinued the Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips as newer, more powerful configurations emerged. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip was retired, along with both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models powered by the M3 chip. Even the older M2-based 13-inch MacBook Air was finally removed from sale, further streamlining the Mac lineup. This extensive refresh, where Apple discontinued 25 devices in 2025, underlines a clear focus on the latest silicon.
The extensive trim extended to Apple’s accessory lineup as well. The popular AirPods Pro 2 were succeeded by the AirPods Pro 3, and the original Vision Pro, equipped with an M2 chip, paved the way for a newer version. Numerous chargers and cables also received updates. Perhaps most symbolically, the Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable was phased out, marking a small yet definitive step in Apple’s ongoing, full transition to USB-C across its devices. It’s worth noting that some of these accessory adjustments were limited to specific markets, including the US, UK, India, Japan, and Canada. These accessory shifts are a crucial part of the broader strategy where Apple discontinued 25 devices in 2025.
As 2025 draws to a close, Apple’s product evolution strategy is clearer than ever. By quietly removing a significant number of items from its shelves, the company reinforces its commitment to a streamlined, forward-looking ecosystem. This strategic pruning, driven largely by chip upgrades and a decisive shift away from legacy designs like the Home button and Lightning port, paves the way for a more unified and advanced user experience. The sheer volume of changes, with Apple discontinued 25 devices in 2025, means consumers will need to adapt to a landscape that is both familiar and excitingly new. For tech enthusiasts, it’s a testament to Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation, even if it means saying goodbye to beloved classics.
Image Credit: India Today
