Apple May Discontinue 11 Products After iPhone 18 Pro Launch: iPhone 17 Pro Max & More
Updated: September 1, 2026
Quick Answer
Apple may remove as many as 11 current products from its online store after the September 9 event and the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
The predicted list includes four iPhones, two Apple Watch models, two versions of AirPods 4, the third-generation Apple TV 4K and two HomePod models. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are the most likely to leave because Apple normally stops selling its previous Pro models when their successors arrive.
The future of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus and several home products is less certain. A product leaving the Apple Store does not mean that software updates, warranties, repairs or compatible accessories immediately stop working.
| Category | Products that could be discontinued |
|---|---|
| iPhone | iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus |
| Apple Watch | Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| AirPods | AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation |
| Home products | Apple TV 4K third generation, HomePod mini first generation and HomePod second generation |
Why Apple May Discontinue 11 Products After the iPhone 18 Pro Launch
Apple regularly reshapes its product lineup immediately after major launch events. When a new device directly replaces an existing model, the older version is often removed from Apple’s online store instead of remaining available at a permanently reduced price.
A report published by 9to5Mac identified 11 products that could leave Apple’s current lineup following the September 9 event.
The predicted changes cover several product categories because the event may introduce more than the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. New Apple Watch, AirPods and home products could also take the place of existing models.
Some departures are easier to predict than others. Products receiving a direct next-generation replacement have the highest probability of leaving. Devices without a clear successor may remain available to fill an important price point in Apple’s lineup.
Apple rarely publishes a separate announcement listing every discontinued product. In most cases, the changes become visible when the Apple Store returns after the event and its product pages, prices and comparison tools have been updated.
The 11 Apple Products That Could Leave the Store
Apple could remove products across four categories after the September 9 event: iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods and home devices. Models receiving a direct successor are the most likely to leave, while products without a September replacement may remain available.
iPhone
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are the strongest candidates for removal because Apple normally stops selling the previous Pro generation when the new models launch.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are less certain. With the standard iPhone 18 expected later than the Pro models, Apple may temporarily retain one or both iPhone 16 models to cover lower price points.
Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 could leave the current lineup if Apple introduces the Series 12 and Ultra 4. Remaining units may still be available from carriers and retailers after Apple ends direct sales.
AirPods
Both AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC could be replaced by the next AirPods generation. Apple may also keep one AirPods 4 model as a lower-priced option, depending on the new lineup and pricing.
Apple TV and HomePod
The third-generation Apple TV 4K and first-generation HomePod mini could be replaced by updated models. The second-generation HomePod is less certain and may remain available unless Apple announces a direct successor.
| Product | Possible replacement | Estimated likelihood of leaving |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro | Very high |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max | Very high |
| iPhone 16 | No direct September replacement | Uncertain |
| iPhone 16 Plus | No direct September replacement | Uncertain |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | Apple Watch Series 12 | HighHigh |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Apple Watch Ultra 4 | High |
| AirPods 4 | New AirPods generation | Medium to high |
| AirPods 4 with ANC | New AirPods generation | Medium to high |
| Apple TV 4K third generation | Updated Apple TV 4K | Uncertain |
| HomePod mini first generation | Updated HomePod mini | Medium to high |
| HomePod second generation | Possible new HomePod | Uncertain |
What Discontinued Means for Owners and Buyers
A discontinued Apple product is not the same as an unsupported or obsolete product. In this context, discontinuation mainly means that Apple has removed the device from its current retail lineup.
Software updates and AppleCare continue
An iPhone does not stop receiving iOS updates because Apple no longer sells it. The same general principle applies to watchOS support for Apple Watch and software updates for AirPods, Apple TV and HomePod.
Existing limited warranties and active AppleCare+ plans also do not automatically end when a product leaves the store. Coverage continues according to the original terms, eligibility requirements and regional policies.
Apple and authorized service providers generally continue offering repairs after retail discontinuation. Parts availability becomes a greater concern much later in a product’s life.
Apple uses separate definitions for discontinued, vintage and obsolete products:
- Discontinued: Apple has stopped selling the product as part of its current lineup.
- Vintage: Apple stopped distributing the product more than five but less than seven years ago, with repairs generally dependent on parts availability.
- Obsolete: Apple stopped distributing the product more than seven years ago, and regular hardware service is generally no longer available.
A product leaving the online store after a launch event is only at the first stage of this lifecycle.
Remaining inventory may still be available
Carriers and authorized retailers frequently continue selling devices that Apple has removed from its own store. Availability depends on regional inventory, color, storage capacity and demand.
Some configurations may sell out before retailers introduce major discounts. This is especially possible for popular iPhone colors, higher storage capacities or products that are not receiving a direct replacement at the same price.
Before purchasing remaining stock, check whether the device is new, open-box, refurbished or previously activated. iPhone buyers should also confirm carrier-lock status, regional SIM or eSIM configuration, return conditions and warranty eligibility.
Retail discounts are possible, but not guaranteed
Apple typically removes outgoing Pro iPhones instead of reducing their official prices. Discounts are more likely to come from carriers, electronics retailers and authorized resellers.
A carrier promotion may look more generous than a direct retail discount, but it can require an eligible trade-in, a specific service plan and monthly bill credits spread across several years.
AirPods, Apple Watch, Apple TV and HomePod products may receive more straightforward retail discounts as stores clear older inventory. However, there is no guarantee that every product on the predicted list will receive a meaningful price reduction.
ZEERA MacFrost Pro Active Cooler for Mac Mini
- 30W TEC cooling
- CNC aluminum
- OLED monitoring
- 3 cooling modes
- M6 / M5 Pro / M4
ZEERA MacForge Gen3 CNC Aluminum Mac Mini Case
- Mac Pro grille
- CNC chassis
- Better airflow
- SSD expansion
- Front ports
What to Do Before and After the September 9 Event
If the Apple event is only days away, waiting is usually the safest option for products still selling at full price. The event will clarify which devices are actually being replaced, which models remain available and how Apple has adjusted its pricing.
Before the event
- Avoid paying full price for a product likely to receive a direct replacement.
- Check whether a discount requires a trade-in, activation or long-term service plan.
- Review the retailer’s return window in case pricing changes after the event.
- Watch the availability of specific colors, storage capacities and configurations.
- Confirm that accessories are designed for the exact model you are buying.
Buying before the event can still make sense when a product is already heavily discounted, is needed immediately or offers all the features the buyer wants. A replacement does not make the existing device stop working.
After the event
- Check which products have disappeared from Apple’s online store.
- Confirm the official prices and release dates of the new models.
- See whether any older products received an official price reduction.
- Compare remaining retail inventory and carrier offers.
- Check whether a product is new, open-box or refurbished.
- Review warranty eligibility, activation status and return conditions.
- Confirm case compatibility before moving between iPhone generations.
- Check whether existing MagSafe chargers support the desired charging speed.
Apple does not normally publish a prominent discontinued-products announcement. The clearest evidence will be the updated Apple Store lineup after the event.
What Happens to MagSafe Cases and Chargers?
Cases and MagSafe chargers follow different compatibility rules when moving from the iPhone 17 Pro Max to the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Cases Are Model-Specific
An iPhone 17 Pro Max case will continue working normally after Apple stops selling the phone, but it should not be expected to fit the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Changes to the camera module, dimensions or button layout can affect fit and protection.
ZEERA offers MagSafe cases for iPhone 17 Pro Max in slim, protective, textured and kickstand designs, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max MagSafe case collection includes woven, soft-touch, micro-grid and cooling-focused options for the new generation.
MagSafe Chargers Can Carry Over
MagSafe chargers are generally easier to reuse across generations because they do not depend on the phone’s exact shape.
A compatible charger used with the iPhone 17 Pro Max can typically continue working with newer MagSafe-compatible iPhones, although charging speed depends on the phone, charger, power adapter and thermal conditions.
Multi-device chargers are especially practical because one setup can continue charging an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. ZEERA’s MagSafe chargers for iPhone 18 Pro Max include foldable and multi-device options for desks and travel.
iPhone 18 Pro Max MagSafe Charger & Stand
ZEERA MagTri Gen2 Qi2.2 Foldable MagSafe Charger
- 25W Qi2.2
- 3-in-1 fold
- Active cooling
- Travel size
- 3-device ready
ZEERA MagSion 5-in-1 Dual MagSafe Charger Stand
- Dual MagSafe
- 5-in-1 stand
- Watch charging
- Angle adjust
- Clean setup
ZEERA SuVolt Gen5 Qi2.2 Active Cooling Car Charger
- 25W Qi2.2
- Active cooling
- Strong magnet
- CarPlay ready
- Heat control
Final Outlook
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are the most likely products to leave Apple’s store after the iPhone 18 Pro launch because they have direct next-generation replacements.
Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the two AirPods 4 models could also be replaced. The outlook is less certain for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, Apple TV 4K and HomePod models because their continued availability depends on Apple’s final product lineup and pricing strategy.
Leaving the Apple Store does not make a product obsolete. Owners can continue using supported software, valid warranty coverage, AppleCare+, repair services and compatible accessories. Buyers should wait for the updated lineup, then compare new-model pricing with remaining retail inventory and genuine clearance offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 11 Apple products could be discontinued?
The predicted list includes the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, third-generation Apple TV 4K, first-generation HomePod mini and second-generation HomePod.
Will Apple discontinue the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is one of the most likely products to leave Apple’s store after the iPhone 18 Pro Max launches. Carriers and retailers may continue selling remaining inventory.
Why might Apple keep selling the iPhone 16?
Apple may need the iPhone 16 to maintain a lower-priced option if the standard iPhone 18 does not launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Will AirPods 4 be discontinued?
Both the standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC appear on the predicted list. Their future depends on the versions and prices of Apple’s next AirPods lineup.
Do discontinued Apple products still receive software updates?
Yes, if the hardware remains supported. Removal from the Apple Store does not immediately end iOS, watchOS or other software updates.
Will AppleCare+ continue after a product is discontinued?
An active AppleCare+ plan continues according to its original terms. Retail discontinuation does not automatically cancel existing coverage.
Will discontinued Apple products become cheaper?
Retailers and carriers may discount remaining stock, but price reductions are not guaranteed. Apple generally removes outgoing Pro iPhones instead of offering an official permanent discount.
Will an iPhone 17 Pro Max case fit the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
It should not be assumed to fit. Differences in dimensions, camera layout and button placement can make cases incompatible between generations.
Will existing MagSafe chargers work with the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
Compatible MagSafe chargers can generally continue working across supported iPhone generations. Maximum charging speed depends on the phone, charger, power adapter and thermal conditions.
