Apple ends updates for popular devices: Full list of affected models
Apple has officially discontinued 10 models (photo: Pexels)
In 2026, Apple retired several popular devices — the tech giant discontinued them or ended software support. The list includes iPhones, Macs, and other Apple products, according to Engadget
Smartphones and accessories: From iPhone 16e to AirTag
The generational shift has affected both the budget smartphone segment and popular small gadgets.
Among them:
iPhone 16e. Introduced in February 2025 as a replacement for the SE series, the smartphone remained in Apple’s lineup for just one year.
The release of the iPhone 17e in March 2026, with twice the storage (256GB for the same $599) and full MagSafe charging, prompted Apple to discontinue the 16e.
First-generation AirTag. An updated version of the tracker was released in January 2026, featuring a U2 chip, a range increased to 61 meters, and a louder speaker.
The original 2021 AirTag was discontinued, although it remains fully functional.
iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. As usual, with the release of a new flagship lineup in the fall, last year’s Pro versions disappear from the official store, remaining available only through partners or in the refurbished section.
Read more: Apple is changing the Mac forever: Siri becomes a chatbot, Intel is being phased out
Laptops and displays: Updates with M5 chips
The company completely refreshed its computer lineup, removing the previous M4- and M3-based generation from official sales:
MacBook Air with the M4 chip. After the M5 version was released, it became impossible to buy the M4 directly from Apple, although the platform will continue to support macOS for many years.
MacBook Pro M4 series. The laptops received base M5 processors, as well as M5 Pro and M5 Pro Max versions. Models with last year’s M4 Pro and Max chips were removed from the store.
iPad Air M3. The model with the M3 processor was released in March 2025, but just a year later it was replaced by an M4-powered tablet, ending sales of its predecessor.
First-generation Studio Display and Pro Display XDR. Studio Display was updated in 2026, gaining a modern Thunderbolt port.
At the same time, the expensive $4,999 Pro Display XDR was replaced by the $3,299 Studio Display XDR with a 120Hz refresh rate.
More interesting: iPhone Ultra for $3,000: Apple is preparing its most expensive smartphones ever
TV boxes, watches and Mac Pro: Moving away from older systems
Owners of smartwatches and workstations have suffered some of the biggest losses.
Apple TV HD and first-generation Apple TV 4K. The tvOS 27 system ends support for the 2015 HD version and the first-generation 4K model from 2017 due to outdated hardware.
Apple Watch (2022 and older). The release of watchOS 27 brought a major reduction in support: Apple Watch Series 6, 7 and 8, the first-generation Ultra and second-generation SE will not receive the update.
The new system will be available only for models released from 2023 onward.
Mac Pro. After the 2023 version with the M2 Ultra chip was released, removing users’ ability to upgrade the RAM or graphics card themselves, the computer lost its main advantage.
In 2026, Apple finally discontinued the Mac Pro line, making the powerful Mac Studio its flagship workstation.
