10 products Apple is leaving behind in 2026
Apple regularly retires older products from sale or drops them from major software updates as newer models arrive, and Engadget has rounded up devices affected in 2026 so owners know when it's worth upgrading. The changes matter because losing official support or storefront availability affects resale value, warranty options and whether a device will keep receiving security and feature updates.
Among the highlighted changes: the iPhone 16e was discontinued in March 2026 after just a year on sale, replaced by the iPhone 17e at the same $599 price but with double the storage and proper MagSafe; iOS 27 still supports it and other iPhones back to the 2019 iPhone 11. Apple also quietly refreshed the AirTag in January 2026, giving new units a longer-range U2 chip (200ft versus 100ft), Apple Watch trackability and a louder speaker, while phasing out the original version, which remains a fine buy at a discount. Separately, the upcoming tvOS 27 update will drop support for the 2015 Apple TV HD and the first-generation 2017 Apple TV 4K, with a refresh of the current third-generation Apple TV 4K expected later in 2026.
In short
- Apple is retiring several products from sale or software support in 2026.
- iPhone 16e discontinued after a year, replaced by iPhone 17e.
- AirTag and older Apple TV models also losing support or availability.
Explained simply
Apple regularly stops selling older products or drops them from major software updates as it brings out newer models. These changes affect how long devices receive security fixes and new features, and can influence resale value and the options owners have for repairs or warranty support.
The story concerns products across Apple’s range, including iPhones, AirTags and Apple TV boxes. Apple makes the hardware and software, while newer versions may replace older ones even when those older devices still work.
For owners, a product leaving sale does not always mean it stops working straight away. The key distinction is whether it continues to receive software and security updates, and whether a newer model offers features or support that matter to them.
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