So, Apple just launched the shiny new iPhone 17, and while everyone is focused on the new features, I’ve been looking at what they quietly removed from their stores. They just killed six products, including some best-sellers. This isn’t just spring cleaning. It’s a calculated move to make you spend more money.
This Isn’t Just a Refresh, It’s a Strategy
Every year after the big iPhone event, Apple trims its product line. It’s normal. But this year feels different. They didn’t just remove old devices; they removed some of the best value devices you could buy. Looking at the list—the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 16, iPad 9th Gen, and others—I see a clear pattern. Apple is systematically eliminating the middle ground, forcing your hand. They are making it harder to find that sweet spot between “good enough” and “too expensive.”
Forcing Your Next Upgrade: The iPhone Story
Let’s start with the iPhones. Apple killed both the iPhone 14 Pro and the standard iPhone 16. Why? Think about it. The iPhone 14 Pro was a huge hit. It had the Dynamic Island and a great camera system, making it a fantastic deal once its price dropped. By removing it, Apple eliminates a major competitor to its own, non-Pro iPhone 17.
And killing the iPhone 16 is even smarter from their point of view. Now, your “cheaper” options are the two-year-old iPhone 15 or jumping straight to the expensive new iPhone 17. The comfortable, one-year-old middle option is gone. It’s a classic business school move to steer you towards a higher-priced item.
The End of the “Affordable” iPad
To me, the saddest death on this list is the iPad 9th Gen. This was the undisputed king of value tablets in India. For students, parents, and anyone wanting a basic, reliable tablet for under ₹30,000, it was the perfect device. I recommended it to everyone. Now that it’s gone, the cheapest iPad is the 10th Gen model, which costs significantly more. Apple just raised the entry price for getting into their tablet ecosystem, shutting the door on a lot of budget-conscious buyers.
Goodbye Leather, Hello “FineWoven”?
Apple also discontinued all its leather accessories, like the iPhone cases and MagSafe wallets. They claim it’s for environmental reasons, which is great. But what are they replacing it with? A new material called “FineWoven,” which you can bet will be sold at a premium price. I’m skeptical. It feels less like an environmental crusade and more like an opportunity to create a new, high-margin accessory category. They did the same thing when they removed the charger from the box—they framed it as an environmental win, but it also saved them a fortune in shipping costs and created a new market for selling chargers separately.
Even the Apple Watch Isn’t Safe
Killing the Apple Watch Series 8 is another interesting move. The Series 8 was very similar to the new Series 9, making it a great buy at a discount. By removing it, the choice becomes clearer and more expensive: get the much older and less capable SE, or shell out for the brand-new Series 10. Again, Apple is removing the sensible middle choice to make the latest model look more appealing. It’s a deliberate strategy to nudge you up the price ladder.
What This Means for Your Wallet
This isn’t just corporate news. These changes have a real impact on how you shop for Apple products in India.
- The “good enough” option is disappearing. You’ll be forced to choose between older models that feel dated or the newest, most expensive versions.
- The cost of entry is going up. Getting a new “budget” iPad or Apple Watch is now more expensive than it was last week.
- You’re being pushed toward pricier accessories. The removal of popular items like leather cases and the standard MagSafe battery pack funnels you toward newer, and likely more expensive, alternatives.
- Finding a good deal on a one-year-old model is harder. Apple is getting rid of its own best competition by discontinuing popular, slightly older Pro models.
The Old “Good Deal” vs. The New “Forced Choice”
| Product Category | The Discontinued “Sweet Spot” | Your New, More Expensive Choice |
| iPhone | iPhone 16 (a modern phone at a discount). | The 2-year-old iPhone 15 or the full-price iPhone 17. |
| Pro iPhone | iPhone 14 Pro (Pro features for less). | No cheaper “Pro” option available. You must buy the latest. |
| iPad | iPad 9th Gen (the best budget tablet). | The more expensive iPad 10th Gen is now the entry-level. |
| Cases | Leather cases (a known, premium material). | New “FineWoven” material at a likely premium price. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy these discontinued products?
Yes, but not directly from Apple’s official store. You will likely find them for a while at third-party retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, or Croma until their existing stock runs out. Be prepared for prices to fluctuate as stock dwindles.
Is it a bad idea to buy a discontinued Apple product?
Not at all! As long as you buy it from a reputable seller, it’s a great way to save money. Apple provides software updates for its devices for many years (typically 5-7 years), so a discontinued iPhone 14 Pro, for example, is still a fantastic phone that will be supported for a long time.
Why would Apple discontinue the iPhone 16? It’s only a year old!
This is purely a sales strategy. The iPhone 16 is likely too similar in performance to the base iPhone 17. By removing it, Apple avoids a situation where customers could get a nearly-as-good experience for much less money, which would hurt sales of their new flagship.
I have leather cases. Will they still work?
Of course. Nothing about your existing accessories will change. Apple has just stopped selling new ones. You can continue to use your leather cases and MagSafe wallets for as long as they last.
