Apple's product purge: iPhone 17 launch to retire several older devices

The highly anticipated iPhone 17 series, new Apple Watches, and potentially updated AirPods Pro are all scheduled to be unveiled at Apple's upcoming hardware event on September 9, according to people familiar with the situation.

However, in keeping with Apple's yearly plan to update its product lineup, this launch will also signal the end of a number of older devices.

According to the rumours, Apple plans to phase out the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max from its official lineup with the release of the iPhone 17 series, making room for the new flagships.

It is also anticipated that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be discontinued, making the iPhone 16 series the new entry-level model on Apple's website.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 may be discontinued with the release of the Apple Watch Ultra 3, while the Apple Watch Series 10 is anticipated to be retired with the release of the Apple Watch Series 11.

To simplify the portfolio, the current Watch SE 2 might also be discontinued if a new Apple Watch SE model is released.

The iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XS have been placed in the vintage category as part of Apple's updated product lifecycle classifications.

Additionally, the fifth-generation iPad, 11-inch MacBook Air, and some MacBook Pro models have been designated as obsolete, meaning that repair and service support will no longer be available.

Apple is probably going to release iOS 26 to older iPhone models, with a list of compatible iPhone models to be announced.