Apple phases out older iPhones, Macs and watches in 2026
Apple has removed several older products from sale and will end major software support for others, though existing devices will not necessarily stop working.
Apple has phased out or discontinued a range of older products in 2026 as newer models arrived, according to Engadget. The changes span iPhones, AirTags, MacBooks, iPads, displays, Apple TV devices and Apple Watches.
The iPhone 16e was removed from Apple’s lineup after the iPhone 17e launched in March. The newer model retains a US$599 starting price while doubling base storage to 256GB. Existing iPhone 16e devices are expected to receive software support for years.
Apple also phased out the first-generation AirTag, M4 MacBook models and the M3 iPad Air following updates to those product lines. The newer AirTag includes an updated U2 chip, longer range, Apple Watch tracking support and a louder speaker. Older models may still be available through third-party, refurbished and second-hand sellers.
The company replaced the Pro Display XDR with the Studio Display XDR, while discontinuing the 2019 Mac Pro. Apple now positions the Mac Studio as its high-end desktop option. Existing displays and computers will continue to function, and removal from sale does not by itself mean an immediate end to security updates.
Apple’s forthcoming watchOS 27 will not support the Apple Watch Series 6 through 8, first-generation Ultra or second-generation SE. The 2023 Apple Watch Series 9 is compatible after Apple corrected an initial omission from its compatibility list. Affected watches will continue receiving security updates for watchOS 26 but will not receive watchOS 27 features.
tvOS 27, expected later in 2026, will drop support for the 2015 Apple TV HD and first-generation Apple TV 4K. The changes mean buyers and existing owners need to distinguish between products that have simply left Apple’s shop and devices that will lose compatibility with a major operating-system upgrade.
