This is what happens when your favorite Apple product disappears from the store [FAQ]

‘Favorite Apple product disappears from the store’

It can happen just like that: you just bought an Apple product from a few years ago and Apple decides to pull the product from the store. This happens every year with the iPhone, for example, the range of which is renewed every year in September. But if you just bought a new iPhone in July that is no longer in the range in September, there is still no man overboard. This also applies to all kinds of other products, such as recently the HomePod and the iMac Pro. As about the consequences for your Apple product if it disappears from the store.

• What now?
• operation
• Defective
• Software updates
• Buy new
• Examples
• FAQ

What happens if your Apple product disappears from the store?

At iCulture we regularly write about Apple’s current line-up of devices. For example, you can read what the iPhone 2021 line-up looks like. We also write about the news if Apple unexpectedly decides to remove a product from the store, because it will no longer be produced, for example. A recent example is the discontinuation of the large HomePod and the iMac Pro is also becoming sold out and will no longer be restocked. Apple can have all sorts of different reasons.

With the iPhones, Apple simply makes room for the latest models. Apple never actually removes an iPhone from its range without offering an alternative (new) model for it. For example, the iPhone 8 disappeared with the introduction of the iPhone SE 2020 and the Apple Watch Series 5 also disappeared with the arrival of the Apple Watch Series 6. Other reasons Apple has for removing a product from the shelves are because it is not good enough more is sold (large HomePod), because Apple stops with the type of product (AirPort routers) or because the product in the line-up is no longer needed (iMac Pro).

But don’t worry: if a product disappears from the shelves, you can still use it. In fact, Apple often offers years of support.

Operation of Apple products in the range

If Apple stops selling a product, it means that at some point you can no longer buy it new. Fortunately, that does not mean that the product stops working. All functions that a product offers will continue to be available to current users. In the case of the HomePod, you can therefore continue to listen to music, give Siri commands and use it as a home hub for HomeKit. Apple doesn’t just pull the plug on already sold products: only sales are discontinued, so you know that the product is eventually approaching its end. But you can continue to use the product for years to come.

Repairs of products that are no longer sold

You may be wondering what happens when your Apple device breaks down, even though it is no longer sold by Apple. Fortunately, Apple almost always has a lot of parts in stock and that often also applies to other authorized repair companies. This means that you can still contact customer service for support and questions about the Apple product. Despite the fact that Apple is discontinuing sales, Apple still offers support if something is wrong with copies already sold.

At some point, however, the support will end. Apple has therefore compiled a list of vintage and obsolete Apple products. If a product is no longer produced for a certain number of years, this product ends up on this separate list. In that case, a device can sometimes no longer be repaired or replaced. You can read more about this in our explanation of vintage and obsolete Apple products.

Software updates for discontinued products

Another thing to keep in mind with Apple products being pulled from stores is software updates. In most cases, Apple continues to release software updates for years to come, even if the device itself is no longer sold. An iPhone often receives updates for about six years with new functions and sometimes sporadically security updates for even older models. A good example are the AirPort routers: Apple released an AirPlay 2 update for the AirPort Express in September 2018, while Apple indicated earlier that year that it had discontinued the AirPort routers.

In general, you can take into account that a device will still receive updates for about two to three years after it has been taken off the shelves. But this also depends on the type of model. With current iPhones and iPads, Apple usually continues for a little longer, while an older Apple Watch is supported for less time with updates. In the case of the HomePod and iMac Pro, you can expect updates for years to come. The iMac Pro in particular will continue to be updated with the latest features and security improvements for a long time to come.

Does buying new make sense?

If you have your eye on an older Apple product that is (soon) no longer available in stores, you may be wondering whether it is wise to purchase such a model from retailers who still have stock. That just depends on when Apple stopped selling. In the case of the HomePod or iMac Pro, it can’t hurt, but an iPhone 7 that hasn’t been sold by Apple for about three years is a bigger risk. The longer the product has been out of the market, the shorter you can use it.

Moreover, it also depends on the price you pay for it. A good offer that can save you hundreds of euros means that an older Apple Watch model can suddenly be quite a good deal. It also depends on what you expect from the product. If you take into account that you can’t use it for another six years and don’t mind that you don’t get the latest functions anymore, you can get some fun out of a new device bought for you. You could also consider buying a refurbished iPhone, for example.

Recent examples of Apple products from the range

These are the main recent examples of products that are no longer sold at Apple stores (or will soon be sold out), but are sometimes still available here and there.

• HomePod (March 2021): In countries where Apple sells the HomePod, the original larger model is “while supplies last”. When the stock runs out, it will no longer be replenished.

• iMac Pro (March 2021): “While supplies last”. So no direct successor seems to be planned.

• MacBook Air 2020 (November 2020): This spring model was succeeded by the M1 MacBook Air from late 2020.

• iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max (October 2020): Succeeded by the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. May still be available at other retailers.

• Apple Watch Series 5 (September 2020): Succeeded by the Apple Watch Series 6. Still available at some other retailers.

• iPad 2019 (September 2020): Succeeded by the iPad 2020. May still be available at other retailers.

• iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (March 2020): The standard iPhone 8 has been succeeded by the iPhone SE 2020. There is no direct successor available for the iPhone 8 Plus. You may still find both models at other retailers.

• iPad Pro 2018 (March 2020): Succeeded by iPad Pro 2020. Some retailers still have stock of the 2018 model.

Frequently asked questions about Apple products that are no longer sold

In summary, below you will find some frequently asked questions in brief about Apple products that are no longer officially sold by Apple.

Can I continue to use product X?

Yes, Apple will not remotely disable a product if it is no longer sold. Only in very rare cases, for example, where a dangerous defect has been detected and sales stop as a result, Apple can take measures. But in that case there is often a repair program or exchange program.

How is it possible that I can still buy product X at shop Y?

If Apple stops selling a product, it doesn’t mean that all retailers have to return their inventory to Apple. Such products are therefore often available for months or years, but while stocks last. At a certain point, retailers no longer receive new copies because stocks have run out. Because it concerns a discontinued model, shops often also give more discounts.

I can still find product X at store Y. What about the warranty?

The warranty as you are used to applies to every new product purchased. The store itself gives you a warranty under the usual conditions and you also get the usual warranty with Apple itself when it comes to a new product. This is different with refurbished or second-hand products. Inquire about this with the seller.

How long will a product receive updates if it is no longer sold?

There is no clear answer to the question of how long a product will receive updates. That varies a lot per product. Macs often receive updates for a little longer than iPhones and iPads and Apple Watches. As a rule of thumb, you can take into account about three years after Apple stopped selling.

What can I do if something breaks?

If there is a defect in your product, you can always contact Apple. Even if Apple no longer sells the device itself. If you have just bought the device new yourself, you may still have a warranty. If you have been the proud owner for years, there may be costs associated with a repair. Also read our article on how to contact Apple Support.