Apple’s 2026 product phase‑out – a quick rundown
Apple rarely pulls a device from the market without a reason, and 2026 is shaping up to be a busy year for product retirements. The company is ending sales of ten items across its portfolio – from budget iPhones to its flagship desktop. While the hardware will still receive security patches for a while, the loss of the latest OS support means they’re no longer ideal for new purchases. Below we break down each product, the timing of its disappearance, and what alternatives make sense for UK shoppers, especially those hunting for contract deals or refurbished bargains.
1. iPhone 16e – the budget flagship that’s already obsolete
The iPhone 16e launched in February 2025 as the low‑cost entry point in Apple’s lineup, replacing the long‑standing SE series. It was quickly superseded by the iPhone 17e in March 2026, which keeps the £599 base price but doubles the storage to 256 GB and finally adds MagSafe charging – a feature the 16e lacked.
What this means for you: If you spot a 16e on clearance for a deep discount, it can still be a decent handset, especially since iOS 27 will support it for several more years (Apple’s current policy covers devices back to the iPhone 11). However, for most buyers the 17e offers better value for money, and the extra storage will be useful for streaming services and larger app caches.
2. First‑generation AirTags – still functional, but a newer chip is available
Apple introduced AirTags in 2021 and they have been a reliable way to locate items via the Find My network. In January 2026 the company rolled out a second‑generation version with an upgraded U2 chip that pushes the Bluetooth range to roughly 200 ft (up from 100 ft) and a louder speaker for easier locating in noisy environments.
Bottom line: The original AirTags continue to work perfectly and use the same CR2032 battery, so buying them on a bargain basis is still sensible. If you want the extra range and louder alerts, wait for a sale on the newer model – Apple often discounts bundles of four.
3. Apple TV HD (2015) and first‑gen Apple TV 4K (2017) – losing tvOS 27 support
Apple’s set‑top boxes are often overlooked, but the upcoming tvOS 27 will drop compatibility with the 2015 Apple TV HD and the 2017 first‑generation Apple TV 4K. Both devices are limited to 1080p output (the HD model) or an aging A10X chip (the first‑gen 4K), and they lack newer HDR formats like HLG and HDR10+.
Advice for UK households: If you already own one of these boxes, you can keep using it with the current tvOS 26, but you’ll miss out on performance improvements and new features. The third‑generation Apple TV 4K, released in 2022, is still on sale and a refresh is expected later in 2026, making it a better long‑term choice.
4. iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max – the premium flagships that will vanish soon
Apple traditionally keeps the previous year’s base iPhone on sale as a cheaper alternative, but the Pro line follows a different pattern. When the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max hit stores – likely in September 2026 – the 17 Pro models will be removed from Apple’s online catalogue. They will still be available through third‑party retailers and Apple’s refurbished store.
Why it matters: The 17 Pro series still boasts excellent cameras, Apple Intelligence integration, and will receive iOS updates for several years. If you can find a refurbished 17 Pro at a solid discount, it remains a compelling option, especially as rumours suggest the base iPhone 18 may be delayed until spring 2027, narrowing the release window for new devices.
5. MacBook Air (M4) – replaced by the M5 version
The M4‑based MacBook Air was the workhorse for many students and professionals, but Apple stopped selling it directly after unveiling the M5 Air in early 2026. The new model doubles the base SSD to 512 GB but also carries a £200 price increase across the 13‑inch and 15‑inch variants.
For the UK market: If the M5’s price is out of reach, a certified refurbished M4 Air is still a solid pick. macOS 27 (Golden Gate) will support Apple‑silicon Macs back to the M1 (2020), meaning the M4 will receive OS updates for a few more years. The second‑hand market is robust, and you can often find a good‑condition M4 for under £900.
6. MacBook Pro (M4) – superseded by the M5 Pro/Max line
Apple’s high‑performance Pro laptops received a generational bump in 2026, moving the baseline to the M5 chip. The previous M4 Pro and Max configurations are no longer listed on Apple’s website, though they can still be sourced refurbished or via used‑device platforms.
Takeaway: The M5 Pro and Max deliver a noticeable jump in CPU/GPU throughput, but they start at around £1,999. If your workflow doesn’t demand that level of power, hunting down a refurbished M4 Pro can stretch your budget while still offering ample performance for most creative tasks.
7. iPad Air (M3) – outclassed by the M4 model
Apple stopped selling the M3‑powered iPad Air after the M4 version arrived in March 2026. The M4 Air is priced at £749, which can be steep for casual users.
Alternative routes: A used M3 Air or the entry‑level 11th‑generation iPad (often called iPad A16) at £449 provides more than enough power for streaming, note‑taking, and light productivity. The base iPad runs iPadOS 27 and will stay supported for several years, making it a sensible budget pick.
8. Studio Display (first generation) and Pro Display XDR – refreshed in 2026
Apple refreshed its Studio Display line in 2026, adding a modern Thunderbolt connection and a better 1080p webcam. The original 2022 model will still function, but the new version commands a premium price of around £1,600.
The Pro Display XDR, launched in 2019 with a staggering £4,999 price tag, has been replaced by the Studio Display XDR at roughly £3,300, now featuring a 120 Hz refresh rate.
What UK buyers should consider: If you need a high‑resolution monitor for video work, the refreshed Studio Display XDR offers a more affordable entry point than the original Pro Display. Otherwise, many non‑Apple monitors deliver comparable colour accuracy for less money.
9. Apple Watch (Series 6‑8, first‑gen Ultra, second‑gen SE) – cut off from watchOS 27
Apple’s watchOS 27 will only run on models released from 2023 onward. That means Series 6, 7, 8, the original Ultra, and the second‑generation SE will miss out on the newest features, though they will still receive security patches for watchOS 26.
Implications: Four years of software support is relatively short for a wearable. If you’re looking to buy a watch this year, aim for a Series 9 or later to ensure you can upgrade to watchOS 27. Existing owners of older models can continue using them, but they’ll miss out on features like the revamped app grid.
10. Mac Pro (2019) – finally discontinued, replaced by Mac Studio
The 2019 “cheese‑grater” Mac Pro was Apple’s flagship desktop, built around an Intel Xeon processor and designed for user upgrades. After a 2023 refresh that swapped in an M2 Ultra chip, the machine became far less upgradable – RAM and CPU are soldered, and the PCIe slots don’t accept third‑party GPUs.
Apple has now retired the Mac Pro altogether, positioning the Mac Studio as the top‑end desktop offering.
For power users: The Mac Studio delivers comparable (or better) performance at a lower price point and with a smaller footprint. If you need a workstation, look for a Mac Studio configuration that matches your GPU and memory needs rather than hunting for a pricey, hard‑to‑upgrade Mac Pro.
How to navigate the Apple discontinuities as a UK contract shopper
Even if you’re an Android‑centric consumer, Apple’s product cycles can affect the broader market – especially when it comes to pricing and availability of devices that compete with Android flagships. Here are a few practical tips:
- Watch for refurbished deals – Apple’s own refurbished store often lists the just‑retired models at 10‑15 % off, and UK retailers such as John Lewis or Currys sometimes run additional promotions.
- Consider the ecosystem – If you already own an iPhone, staying within the Apple ecosystem (e.g., buying a newer iPad or Mac) can be cheaper than switching to Android, thanks to continuity features.
- Leverage carrier bundles – Some UK carriers still bundle older iPhone models with 5G contracts at reduced monthly rates. Check whether a 16e or 17 Pro on a 24‑month plan fits your budget.
- Don’t overlook second‑hand – Platforms like MusicMagpie, CeX, and eBay UK have thriving markets for the M4 MacBook Air/Pro and earlier iPhone models, often with warranty options.
- Timing is key – Apple typically announces new hardware in September. If you can wait a few weeks after a launch, you’ll often see price cuts on the outgoing generation.
Bottom line
Apple’s 2026 product cull removes a mix of budget and premium devices, but most of the discontinued hardware remains usable for years thanks to Apple’s relatively long software support windows. For UK shoppers, the real opportunity lies in refurbished or second‑hand purchases that capture the value of a just‑retired model before prices settle. Keep an eye on carrier contracts, seasonal sales, and Apple’s own refurbished catalogue to get the most bang for your buck.
