MacBook Air M3, iPhone SE & more: Apple discontinued these devices and accessories in 2025; here’s what it means for users

As 2025 draws to a close, Apple’s product lineup looks noticeably leaner. Over the past year, the tech giant quietly discontinued around 25 devices and accessories, signalling the end of several familiar names while tightening its focus on a more streamlined ecosystem.

Most of these exits followed Apple’s usual pattern: older models stepping aside as newer, chip-upgraded versions arrived. But a few decisions stood out, especially in the iPhone lineup, where Apple finally cut ties with some long-standing design elements that had survived for nearly a decade.

iPhone SE officially retired

The most symbolic change of 2025 was the discontinuation of the iPhone SE. Apple pulled the plug on the third-generation iPhone SE in February after introducing the iPhone 16e, officially closing a chapter that began back in 2016.
With the SE gone, Apple no longer sells any iPhone featuring a Home button, Touch ID, an LCD screen, a sub-6-inch display, or a Lightning port. It marks a clean break from the past and underlines Apple’s all-in push towards Face ID, OLED panels and USB-C.

Originally launched as a compact and familiar option, the iPhone SE reused the iPhone 5s design while packing newer internals. Later versions adopted the iPhone 8 look in 2020 and 2022. For users who preferred smaller phones or fingerprint authentication, the SE had long been the last holdout. In 2025, that refuge officially disappeared.

iPhone Plus models quietly phased out

Another notable retreat came with the gradual disappearance of the iPhone Plus lineup. Apple discontinued both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus this year, and signs suggest the iPhone 16 Plus could be next.
Instead, Apple appears to be shifting focus towards the ultra-thin iPhone Air, which is expected to replace the Plus concept altogether. If that happens, the Plus branding may quietly fade into Apple history.

Seven iPhones discontinued in 2025

In total, seven iPhone models were discontinued this year. These include:

• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone SE (3rd generation)

The iPhone 16 Pro models made way for the iPhone 17 Pro series, while older standard models were phased out as newer generations arrived.

iPad updates focused on performance, not design

Apple’s iPad lineup saw fewer dramatic shifts in 2025. Instead of redesigns, the focus remained on faster silicon. As new variants launched, Apple discontinued the iPad Pro with the M4 chip, the iPad Air powered by M2, and the 10th-generation iPad.

While the changes were mostly internal, the refresh cycle still contributed to the growing list of retired devices.

Apple Watch lineup trimmed back

The Apple Watch range followed a similar pattern. With the launch of Apple Watch Series 11, Watch Ultra 3, and Watch SE 3, several older models quietly exited Apple Stores.

Discontinued models include:
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch SE 2

Interestingly, none of the new Apple Watch models introduced a brand-new chip this year, making these updates feel evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

Macs see major clean-up

Mac users also witnessed a significant shake-up. Apple discontinued multiple Macs as it transitioned fully to newer configurations. The models phased out in 2025 include:

• Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra
• 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4
• 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with M3
• 13-inch MacBook Air with M2

This effectively cleared out several overlapping configurations, simplifying Apple’s Mac lineup.

Accessories trimmed as Apple completes USB-C shift

Beyond core devices, Apple also refined its accessories portfolio. The AirPods Pro 2 were replaced by AirPods Pro 3, while the original Vision Pro with an M2 chip gave way to a newer version.

Perhaps the most symbolic change was the discontinuation of the Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable, marking another step in Apple’s full transition to USB-C. Some of these accessory updates were rolled out selectively across markets such as the US, UK, India, Japan and Canada.

Inputs from agencies