Apple held its annual iPhone reveal this week, announcing the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, two AirPods 4 models, AirPods Max with USB-C, and a completely redesigned Apple Watch Series 10. Instead, take a look at what Apple phased out as these new features rolled out.
Some products are released and others are passed on, no longer having direct commercial value, at least on the Apple website and store. Do they still have value in the current market? Certainly, but Apple no longer considers them.
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
Since the iPhone XS and XR launched in 2018, Apple has discontinued its high-end iPhones just a year after they were released. Perhaps because they are so similar, and Apple would prefer customers to buy one of the entry-level iPhones if they want to save some money.
In the news this week, there was no exception to this rule and the first Apple iPhones with titanium were removed from the online store. There are no physical Apple stores in Portugal, but in a country where they do exist, like Spain or France, for example, they will surely remain in stock and at a discount of 100 euros. At least until the iPhone 16 models are launched on September 20, if you are interested.
iPhone 13
Apple launched the iPhone 13 in 2021, with a series of updates, including longer battery life, a new camera system and a smaller notch. This model, in what was still the "entry-level" version, started at €929 and has had a series of price cuts over the years, reaching Minimum 769 eurosS before it was stopped.
Now, the iPhone 14 has replaced the iPhone 13 in the €769 price range, and Apple's first iPhone with a smaller notch has been discontinued.
Apple Watch Series 9
While we didn’t get the Apple Watch Ultra 3 or Apple Watch SE 3 at the recent event, we did get the redesigned Apple Watch Series 10. It has larger displays, a brand new speaker, and a beautiful new jet black finish. The stainless steel has also been replaced with a new polished titanium.
Traditionally, older Apple Watches haven’t been kept in the queue, and that’s continued to be the case. Fortunately, despite all the changes that have come with the Series 10, there hasn’t been a price increase, which is a good thing.
It's important to remember that all Apple Watch Series 10 models in the US will not yet have blood oxygen detection. This change began with the Apple Watch Series 9 in December 2023, but in Portugal everything is going well.
AirPods Max (Lightning)
Apple launched a new pair of AirPods Max at its 10/9 event, with a new set of color options and USB-C connectivity. The device is identical to the original AirPods Max, and the original headphones have now been discontinued.
The new AirPods Max with USB-C are still priced at €579. It's a high price because they don't have Adaptive Audio and the better noise cancellation of the recent AirPods Pro, but many Max with Lightning will still hit the market at a much better price.
Airpods 2 and 3
Apple released the AirPods 2 in 2019 and continued to sell them even after the AirPods 3 launched in 2021. However, Apple introduced replacements for both models this week, with two new AirPods 4 variants.
The cheapest AirPods 4 start at €179 and have spatial audio, the H2 chip, and a newer design. There’s also a higher-end design for the AirPods 4, which includes active noise cancellation. The AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation start at €199.
Woven iPhone Cases
Last but not least (actually, this is the least important), we have the FineWoven iPhone cases. Apple launched the highly controversial FineWoven cases with the iPhone 15 last year, as an “eco-friendly” alternative to leather. It was supposed to be a high-quality fabric material, but it completely failed to deliver. The cases scratch very easily, and ultimately, they don’t feel like a quality product.
It seems that Apple has realized this fact and the FineWoven iPhone cases It no longer exists. For the iPhone 16 models, they've kept the FineWoven MagSafe cases and Apple Watch bands.