Apple "leaving behind" a particular model can refer to a few different changes. The two most common are removing the device from its online storefront, or not offering the latest major OS upgrade for it.
What happened
The former usually happens to products that are a year or two old when a new model arrives, so you'll still find them at third-party retailers and Apple's refurbished shop. When the latter occurs, it's no longer a good idea to buy that model, and you should consider upgrading if you're already using it. This is still a developing thread, so the useful part is knowing which source signals are hardening and which ones still need caution. With devices, practical impact usually shows up in battery life, heat, stability, and long-term usability rather than in a few flashy headline numbers.
Where the sources line up
As Apple continues to upgrade its line of watches, tablets, smartphones, laptops, and even displays, it's constantly leaving behind older models, forcing users to consider newly supported alternatives. With devices, practical impact usually shows up in battery life, heat, stability, and long-term usability rather than in a few flashy headline numbers. The readers who should care most are the ones planning to replace a device, buy an accessory, or upgrade a work setup in the next few months.
Practical impact for readers
Framesira/Shutterstock For a time, the iPhone SE series was Apple's "budget phone" offering. These stayed available for multiple years before getting replaced. The iPhone 16e, released in February 2025, replaced the iPhone SE as Apple's lowest-cost phone. Unlike its older siblings, however, the iPhone 16e received a direct successor a year later. The iPhone 17e arrived in March 2026 , coinciding with Apple dropping the 16e from its lineup.
Who should pay attention now
The iPhone 17e comes at the same base price of $599, but with double the storage (256GB instead of 128GB). It also includes proper MagSafe charging, which the 16e lacks. If you're looking for a lower-cost iPhone, the 16e is only worth it if you find it on a heavy discount. If you already have a 16e, expect support for many more years. With iOS 27, Apple is continuing to support models dating back to 2019's iPhone 11, so the iPhone 16e still has plenty of life in it.
What is still unclear
James D. Morgan/Getty Images AirTags have worked well since they were released in 2021, so they weren't in dire need of an update. Despite this, Apple slightly updated the AirTag in January 2026 and phased out the older version. The new AirTags, identifiable by the all-caps text on the back, have an updated U2 chip for longer range (200 feet max, compared to the original's max of 100 feet) and the ability to be tracked by compatible Apple Watch models. They also have a louder speaker, so you won't have as much trouble hearing the chime inside your suitcase or when it's noisier around you.
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