Apple Set to Retire iPhone 15, Older Watches, AirPods

News Desk

Islamabad: Cupertino, Aug 28: Apple is gearing up for one of its most significant launches in recent years, with the iPhone 17 series set to debut on September 9.

The new lineup will feature four models — the base iPhone 17, the sleek and lightweight iPhone 17 Air, the premium iPhone 17 Pro, and the flagship iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Alongside, Apple is also expected to unveil new generations of the Apple Watch and the AirPods Pro.

But the excitement of new devices comes with the familiar Apple ritual: the retirement of older models. The company’s yearly strategy of refreshing its lineup while trimming older products means several popular iPhones, watches, and AirPods may soon vanish from Apple’s official store shelves.

What stays, what goes

Apple usually keeps two non-Pro iPhone models from the previous generation at a lower price point. This suggests that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will likely continue to be available, albeit with a $100 price cut.

However, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, introduced in 2023, are expected to be discontinued once stocks run out.

In the premium segment, Apple is expected to sunset the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max to clear space for their successors, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.

The shake-up won’t stop at iPhones. With the possible launch of the Apple Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3, last year’s Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2 could also be phased out. Similarly, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are tipped to make way for the AirPods Pro (3rd Generation).

Why Apple retires devices

Analysts note that Apple’s strategy ensures consumers gravitate toward the latest devices while maintaining a limited yet balanced product lineup.

By phasing out older models, Apple avoids internal competition, streamlines manufacturing, and drives demand for its latest innovations — especially in the high-margin Pro category.

Devices likely to be discontinued after iPhone 17 launch:

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple Watch Ultra 2

AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

With the iPhone 17 launch, Apple is not just unveiling new products but also reshaping its ecosystem — making it clear that the future lies in slimmer designs, higher performance, and seamless integration across devices.