Apple discontinues iPhone models every year, like clockwork. Why? To make way for newer, pricer models. Here’s the complete list as of mid-2024…
When a new iPhone launches, an old iPhone must die. This has been the way Apple has done things for years. The reason Apple does this – for the most part – is to keep its available iPhones limited to a handful of options so as to avoid confusion.
By limiting the number of iPhones officially available via its Apple Store, Apple can also better control its production lines. Making a select few iPhones is a lot more cost-effective than producing loads of different models from different eras. Apple would also like you to buy its latest iPhone too.
In an ideal world, Apple would keep all of its previous generation phones in place, allowing its users to pick them up for less. But sadly Apple doesn’t do this. Instead, it usually keeps just one from its previous generation around – usually the base model which is usually the most popular option anyway.
Discontinued iPhones List
Here is a complete list of ALL the iPhones that Apple has discontinued – the list is up to date as well. Apple has discontinued the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, along with the iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 12, following the launch of the iPhone 15 series.
These phones join the list of discontinued iPhones, such as the iPhone 12 series and iPhone 13 Pro series.
iPhone Version History
| Version | Released | Discontinued | Supported |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Series | 22 Sept 2023 | In Production | Yes – Until 2031 |
| iPhone 14 Series | 7 Oct 2022 | In Production | Yes – Until 2029 |
| iPhone 13 Series | 24 Sep 2021 | In Production | Yes – Until 2028 |
| iPhone 12 Mini / 12 Pro Max | 13 Nov 2020 | In Production | Yes – Until 2027 |
| iPhone 12 / 12 Pro | 23 Oct 2020 | In Production | Yes – Until 2027 |
| iPhone SE (2nd generation) | 24 Apr 2020 | In Production | Yes – Until 2027 |
| iPhone 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max | 20 Sep 2019 | 13 Oct 2020 | Yes – Until 2026 |
| iPhone 11 | 20 Sep 2019 | In Production | Yes – Until 2026 |
| iPhone XR | 26 Oct 2018 | In Production | Yes – Until 2025 |
| iPhone XS / XS Max | 21 Sep 2018 | 10 Sep 2019 | Yes – Until 2025 |
| iPhone 8 / 8 Plus | 22 Sep 2017 | 15 Apr 2020 | No |
| iPhone X | 12 Sep 2017 | 12 Sep 2018 | No |
| iPhone 7 / 7 Plus | 16 Sep 2016 | 10 Sep 2019 | No |
| iPhone SE (1st generation) | 31 Mar 2016 | 12 Sep 2018 | No |
| iPhone 6S / 6S Plus | 25 Sep 2015 | 12 Sep 2018 | No |
| iPhone 6 / 6 Plus | 25 Sep 2014 | 07 Sep 2016 | No |
| iPhone 5S | 20 Sep 2013 | 21 Mar 2016 | No |
| iPhone 5C | 20 Sep 2013 | 09 Sep 2015 | No |
Learn more about how long Apple supports iPhone. It’s handy to know, especially if you’re buying older models – no one likes getting a sweet deal, only to find out you’ve only got two more iOS updates’ of support.
Latest Updates
- September 13, 2023: Apple discontinues the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Mini, and iPhone 12 after the iPhone 15 series launch.
- August 18, 2022: Apple discontinues iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 11, and iPhone 12 Mini. This follows the iPhone 14 series launch.
- September 15, 2021: Apple discontinues the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max after the iPhone 13 series launch.
Can You Still Buy Older iPhones?
Just because Apple has discontinued an iPhone model doesn’t mean you can no longer buy it. Apple produces around 500,000 iPhones a day in its factory, and these iPhones are shipped all over the world.
Plenty of these iPhones are returned to the seller, either because they were faulty or the user couldn’t keep up with payments. When this happens, the iPhone is sold to a
The phone is then tested, fixed if necessary, and re-sold on the refurbished market, usually for about 40% less than it cost when it was new.
Case in point: I am currently using an iPhone 13 which I bought refurbished – it cost less like 40% less than Apple’s current iPhone 15 and it still works perfectly, 18+ months later.
Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max are now available in the refurbished market, offering excellent options for those looking to upgrade in 2024.
These models, featuring cutting-edge technology like 5G, exceptional cameras, and OLED displays, can be found for considerably less than their original launch prices—around $600/£500.
The Perks of Buying Refurbished iPhones
I’ve been a fan of refurbished iPhones for years, and for good reason. They offer the same performance and quality as new models but at a fraction of the price. The discontinuation of Pro models by Apple when new versions are released means you can snag these high-end devices at a significant discount.
The term “refurbished” shouldn’t be a concern. These phones undergo rigorous testing and refurbishment processes, ensuring they look and function like new.
Trusted vendors like REBOXED and Gazelle guarantee high standards, only selling phones that pass all checks.
Choosing a reputable refurbished tech reseller can land you a top-tier iPhone at an unbeatable price. Like my iPhone 13 which I bought a couple of years back and haven’t had to change since.
