2024 was a jam-packed year for Apple and its superfas. Apple launched its first-ever mixed-reality headset, first-ever AI iPhones, insanely capable M4 Macs, and more. After launching the newer versions, Apple generally discontinues the older products. As 2024 is ending, it’s a good opportunity to look back at the devices and accessories Apple discontinued this year. Right from the four-year-old M1 MacBook Air to less-than-a-year-old iPhone woven cases, the Cupertino tech giant discontinued a total of 20 products in 2024. These products won’t be available to purchase from the Apple Store, but you may find some nice deals from third-party resellers or Apple refurbished store.
Here are all the 20 products Apple officially discontinued in 2024.
1. M1 MacBook Air
Apple discontinued the classic, much-popular M1 MacBook Air (2020) in 2024. It was a special device because it was one of the first Macs powered by Apple Silicon and the last MacBook to feature a wedge-shaped design. Although Apple discontinued the M1 MacBook Air, you can buy it from third-party resellers and marketplaces for around $649. The M2 MacBook Air replaced the M1 MacBook Air in the lineup. As of now, Apple sells a 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 and M3 MacBook Air in 13-inch and 15-inch options.
2. M2 Mac Mini
Apple recently launched the newer and redesigned M4 Mac Mini which is smaller and more capable than the previous model. As soon as Apple launched the M4 model, it discontinued the previous M2 Mac mini. The latest M4 Mac Mini marks the first-ever major redesign of Apple’s most portable desktop computer. Mac Mini now features an ultra-portable design, boosted 64GB RAM, Thunderbolt 5 support, frontal I/O ports, and comes in M4 & M4 Pro configurations. With such upgraded specifications, the M4 Mac Mini could become Apple’s gaming console we’ve been waiting for years.
3. M3 iMac
In October 2024, Apple replaced the M3 iMac with a new M4 iMac that boasts Apple Intelligence support and upgraded 16GB of RAM. With the jump from M3 to M4, the iMac also got additional Thunderbolt ports and the same Center Stage capability as MacBooks. Despite the boosted RAM of 16GB, the Me iMac has a starting price of $1,299. Now, Apple’s all-in-one desktop computer comes in an array of playful colors, including orange, green, yellow, purple, pink, blue, and silver.
4. M3 MacBook Pro
Following the release of the new MacBook Pros with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max processors, Apple has discontinued the M3 MacBook Pro models. The new models come with 16GB base RAM, which is double the 8GB RAM found on the M3 models. Also, MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max come with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity so you can enjoy the blazingly fast transfer speeds up to 120 Gb/s. Furthermore, you can now configure your Mac with a nano-texture display.
5. iPhone 15 Pro & iPhone 15 Pro Max
Since the release of the iPhone XS in 2018, Apple has developed a habit of discontinuing the previous generation of flagship iPhones once the latest models are out. Continuing this tradition, Apple discontinued the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max after the release of the iPhone 16 series. While Apple doesn’t sell the iPhone 15 Pro models, there are some solid reasons to grab one from a third-party reseller. First, the iPhone 15 Pro & iPhone 15 Pro Max are one of the few iPhone models with Apple Intelligence support. Second, the iPhone 15 Pro models are as good as the latest iPhone 16 Pro models, but you can own them at a discounted price.
6. iPhone 13
Apple launched the iPhone 13 in 2021 with several upgrades like a smaller notch, an A15 Bionic chip, battery life improvements, and a new camera system. Also, the iPhone 13 got brand-new photography features like a Cinematic mode that blurs the background or foreground while keeping the objects in focus. Despite being a three-year-old device, the iPhone 13 was a popular option among users who wanted a sleek and affordable iPhone. However, Apple officially discontinued the iPhone 13 after the launch of the iPhone 16 lineup. The iPhone 13 started with a $799 price tag and reached an all-time low price of $599 before it disappeared from the Apple store shelves.
7. iPad 9
On the same day when Apple launched the new M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air in May, it discontinued the ninth-generation, entry-level iPad. The iPad 9 looks a little outdated with a 10.2-inch Retina display and thick black bezels. The current entry-level iPad 10 features an updated design that matches the aesthetics of the iPad Air and iPad Pro models. Initially launched at $449, Apple slashed its price by $100 after it discontinued the iPad 9.
8. iPad Mini 6
In October 2024, Apple replaced the iPad Mini 6 with a new model that can handle Apple Intelligence features. The iPad Mini 7 features an upgraded A17 Pro chipset, 8GB RAM, and Apple Pencil Pro compatibility. The new model might look similar to its predecessor in terms of design, but it’s significantly powerful considering the performance upgrades and AI compatibility. Also, Apple fixed the infamous jelly-scrolling issue found on the previous iPad Mini 6 model.
9. Apple Watch Series 9
Following the release of the thinner Apple Watch Series 10, Apple discontinued the older Apple Watch Series 9 which was launched last year. The tech titan probably did it because the new Apple Watch Series 10 has the same starting price as the Series 9. The Apple Watch Series 10 boasts a bigger display, a new S10 chip, improved battery life, and advanced health tracking features like Sleep Apnea detection. Although Series 9 has been discontinued, you can easily buy one from third-party retailers.
10. AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Max with Lightning Port
When Apple launched the new AirPods 4 and AirPods Max with USB-C, it replaced all the AirPods models with a Lightning port. This includes AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Max (Lightning version). The giant launched two models of AirPods 4, an entry-level option for $129, and a higher-end model with active noise cancellation (ANC) at $179. The standard AirPods 4 are now the cheapest AirPods that Apple currently sells. On the flip side, AirPods Max with USB-C are the most premium, flagship over-the-ear headphones made by Apple.
11. Magic Accessories with Lightning Port
Just like AirPods, Apple also replaced the Lightning Magic accessories with the new USB-C versions of Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard. However, the upgraded USB-C Magic Mouse still features a frustrating design with the charging port on the bottom. You can find the Lightning versions of Magic accessories, but it won’t be a practical option as you would want to invest in future-proof accessories that you can keep for a long time.
12. Superdrive
Back in August, the Superdrive went out of stock on Apple’s US website, and after that, it was sold out or unavailable in all the countries. It seems Apple has silently discontinued its 16-year-old accessory. Superdrive was first introduced in 2008 as an external CD/DVD drive alongside the original MacBook Air that lacked a built-in CD drive. Despite an outdated USB-A cable attached to it, Superdrive was one of the longest-sold Apple products.
13. FineWoven iPhone Cases
Last year, Apple discontinued its leather iPhone cases and introduced the FineWoven cases as a more environmentally friendly option. It was meant to deliver a premium in-hand feel. However, it completely missed the mark. The FineWoven cases for iPhone 15 got a backlash over quality and durability concerns. It seems Apple has acknowledged this and discontinued the FineWoven iPhone cases. It didn’t launch any FibneWoven cases for the iPhone 16 lineup.
14. Powerbeats Pro
After selling the Powerbeats Pro for over five years, Apple discontinued these wireless earbuds in October 2024. Powerbeats Pro was sold as a fitness-focused alternative to AirPods Pro with built-in ear hooks which can be adjusted for a secure fit. These wireless earbuds offered IPX4-rated sweat and water resistance, nine hours of battery life, and silicon ear tips in four size options. You can easily find Powerbeats Pro on Amazon and other marketplaces.
15. Lightning to 3.5mm Adapter
Back in 2016, Apple ditched the headphone jack with the iPhone 7 and included a lightning adapter right in the box. Ever since then, users have relied on the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter to connect their wired headphones. Until the iPhone X, Apple provided the adapter in the box, and after that users had to buy it separately. However, just like the Superdrive, Apple silently discontinued the Lightning to Headphone jack adapter. Initially the little adapter disappeared from the US stores, and now it is unavailable globally. Well, the reason is pretty straightforward. Apple has ditched the lightning port in favor of the USB-C port on iPhone 15 and later models, and it offers a USB-C version of the adapter. Since none of the new iPhones feature lightning ports, it makes sense for Apple to discontinue the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter.
Those were the 20 Apple products discontinued in 2o24. You can eaily find the latest versions of these products. In case your favorite Apple product is on the list or don’t mind going for a refurbished model, you can find some deals on the discontinued Apple stuff.
Anshuman Jain
