Apple’s iPhone 17 event is on the horizon, and it brings the excitement of new devices while phasing out several current offerings. As Apple gears up to reveal the iPhone 17, it appears that eight items from its lineup will be retired.
The focal point of the event will be the iPhone 17, and with the launch of four new iPhones, it’s anticipated that Apple will retire three current models: the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. While these models might still be sold by other retailers, Apple is likely to eliminate them from its own inventory. This transition signifies a major change, as all iPhones sold directly by Apple will support Apple Intelligence for the first time.
In terms of the current selection, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to stay available. Apple generally keeps its two standard flagship models, typically lowering their prices by $100. The new iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will replace them in the refreshed lineup.
For the Pro variants, both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are also predicted to be phased out, paving the way for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Rather than lowering the prices of the prior year’s Pro models, Apple usually halts their sales completely.
To recap, the four iPhones likely to be discontinued after the September 9 event include: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The new iPhone lineup is expected to consist of:
– iPhone 16e starting at $599
– iPhone 16 starting at $699
– iPhone 16 Plus starting at $799
– iPhone 17 starting at $799
– iPhone 17 Air starting at $949
– iPhone 17 Pro starting at $1,049
– iPhone 17 Pro Max starting at $1,199
These prices hint at a $50 increase for the iPhone 17 Pro, which will feature double the storage, as well as a $50 surcharge for the iPhone 17 Air compared to the original iPhone 16 Plus price. Analysts have speculated a potential price of $1,249 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, suggesting that any further changes would be surprising.
Alongside the iPhones, Apple is also expected to retire three Apple Watch models: the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple Watch SE 2, along with one variant of AirPods, specifically the AirPods Pro 2. Apple usually refreshes its Series model watches, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has already succeeded the original Ultra model. The AirPods Pro 2 replaced the original AirPods Pro, but they might still be available at the same or a lower price if the new AirPods Pro 3 come in at a higher price point.
The Apple Watch SE (second-generation) has reached a similar lifecycle to the first SE when it was phased out, indicating that a third-generation variant might be on the way, in line with the quick pace of the Apple Watch Series 10.
In summary, it’s reasonable to expect that Apple will retire four iPhones, three Apple Watch models, and one version of AirPods during this event. Apple is scheduled to hold its iPhone 17 event on September 9, under the tagline “Awe dropping,” and 9to5Mac will be on-site at Apple Park to report on all related announcements.
