5 Surprising Products Apple Discontinued at the iPhone 16e Event

In a move consistent with its strategy of streamlining hardware lines while pushing innovation forward, Apple quietly discontinued five legacy products during the unveiling of the iPhone 16e in November 2025. The affected products include the iPod Touch, first-generation HomePod, original MagSafe Battery Pack, long-canceled AirPower project, and co-branded Apple Watch Nike+ editions 1. These silent retirements reflect Apple’s ongoing shift toward tighter ecosystem integration, environmental sustainability, and focus on high-margin, AI-driven devices. This article explores each of these discontinued products in depth—examining their features, market performance, reasons for discontinuation, and what this means for current owners and future buyers.

iPod Touch: The Final Nail in the Coffin of Portable Music Players

The iPod Touch, once the crown jewel of Apple’s portable media lineup, was officially discontinued in November 2025, marking the end of a 17-year era that began with its debut in 2007 2. Despite being powered by the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13 mini and supporting iOS 18 at the time of retirement, the device had become increasingly redundant in an age where smartphones dominate music, gaming, and app usage.

One of the last remaining standalone iOS devices without cellular capability, the iPod Touch served niche markets such as younger users, budget-conscious consumers, and educational institutions seeking affordable access to Apple’s ecosystem. However, sales had declined sharply since 2020, with only 1.2 million units shipped globally in 2024—a drop of 68% from 2020 figures 3.

Apple cited declining demand and component reallocation toward Vision Pro and iPhone development as key reasons for ending production. For existing users, support—including security updates and app compatibility—is expected to continue through at least 2028, aligning with Apple’s standard five-year software lifecycle policy post-discontinuation 4.

From a consumer perspective, the iPad mini now effectively replaces the iPod Touch, offering superior screen size, multitasking capabilities, and longer support cycles. Analysts suggest that retiring the iPod Touch allows Apple to reduce internal competition within its own product matrix and redirect marketing resources toward wearables and services 5.

HomePod (1st Generation): Outshined by Its Successor

The original HomePod, launched in 2018, was formally retired alongside the release of the new iPhone 16e. Although Apple had already shifted focus to the more compact and cost-effective HomePod mini in 2020, limited stock of the full-sized model remained available in select regions until late 2025 6.

Priced initially at $349, the first-gen HomePod offered studio-quality sound, spatial awareness, and deep Siri integration. However, it struggled against Amazon Echo and Google Nest devices due to higher pricing and limited third-party smart home support. Market share data shows Apple held just 8% of the global smart speaker market in 2024, compared to Amazon’s 28% and Google’s 20% 7.

The 2023 HomePod refresh introduced improved audio processing, temperature/humidity sensing, and Matter protocol support, making the older model technologically obsolete. Discontinuing the first generation simplifies inventory management and strengthens Apple’s push for smarter, privacy-focused home automation ecosystems.

For current owners, Apple continues to provide firmware updates and iCloud-based Home Hub functionality. However, repair services will be phased out by mid-2027, according to Apple’s spare parts lifecycle schedule 8. Users are encouraged to migrate to the newer HomePod or HomePod mini for seamless integration with upcoming HomeOS features expected in 2026.

MagSafe Battery Pack: Replaced by Integrated Solutions

Apple confirmed the discontinuation of its standalone MagSafe Battery Pack—an accessory released in 2021 designed to magnetically attach to the back of iPhone 12 and later models 9. While still functional with current iPhones, the product is no longer listed on Apple’s website or available through authorized resellers.

The battery pack offered 1,412 mAh capacity and pass-through charging but faced criticism for inefficiency, overheating concerns, and suboptimal placement during use. Independent tests showed up to 30% energy loss during wireless transfer and inconsistent alignment issues 10.

With the introduction of the iPhone 16e featuring built-in 45-hour hybrid battery architecture and ultra-fast direct charging via USB-C, external battery solutions have become less critical. Moreover, Apple’s internal roadmap suggests future iPhones may incorporate self-charging mechanisms using ambient light and motion harvesting technologies by 2027 11.

Third-party alternatives like Anker’s MagGo series and Belkin’s BoostCharge remain widely available, but Apple appears to be shifting toward tighter control over power delivery through proprietary protocols. Consumers looking for extended battery life are now directed toward certified Qi2-compatible accessories and Apple’s upcoming “EnergyRing” wearable charger, rumored for 2026 release.

AirPower: The Never-Born Multi-Device Charger

Though officially canceled in 2019, Apple formally removed all references to AirPower from its historical product database during the iPhone 16e event, symbolizing the final closure of one of Apple’s most publicized hardware failures 12. Originally announced in 2017, AirPower was intended to offer simultaneous wireless charging for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods on a single mat.

Engineering challenges—including thermal management, coil interference, and efficiency losses—prevented the product from reaching mass production. Internal documents leaked in 2020 revealed that prototype units achieved only 45% charging efficiency under optimal conditions, far below Apple’s 75% threshold for consumer release 13.

Instead of reviving AirPower, Apple has pursued modular charging solutions. The current approach combines individual optimized chargers: MagSafe Charger for iPhone, Magnetic Charging Case for AirPods, and Apple Watch Magnetic Charger. Additionally, third-party manufacturers have filled the gap with multi-device pads compliant with the new Qi2 standard, which Apple helped develop and now fully supports across its lineup.

The removal of AirPower from official records signals Apple’s preference for incremental, reliable innovation over ambitious but unproven concepts. It also reinforces trust in the company’s quality assurance process—even if it means killing beloved ideas.

Apple Watch Nike+ Editions: End of a Strategic Partnership?

Perhaps the most surprising announcement was the quiet termination of the Apple Watch Nike+ collaboration, which began in 2016. No new Nike-exclusive bands or watch faces were introduced alongside the iPhone 16e, and Apple removed all Nike branding from its online configurator 14.

The partnership brought sporty aesthetics, exclusive run-tracking features, and co-branded marketing campaigns to millions of fitness enthusiasts. Over 12 million Apple Watch Nike+ units were sold between 2016 and 2024, accounting for roughly 9% of total Apple Watch sales 15.

Rumors suggest that disagreements over revenue sharing, design direction, and Nike’s increasing investment in its own fitness platform contributed to the split. Nike has been expanding its Nike Fit Club app with advanced biometrics and coaching tools, potentially positioning itself as a competitor rather than a collaborator 16.

Apple is expected to replace the Nike+ line with a new "Fitness Edition" starting in 2026, featuring enhanced GPS, sweat-resistant sensors, and deeper integration with Apple Fitness+. Existing Nike+ models will continue receiving software updates and service support. However, replacement bands may become harder to source over time, prompting some users to switch to third-party suppliers or transition to standard Sport Loop configurations.

Discontinued Product	Original Release Year	Final Supported OS/Firmware	Expected Support Until	Successor or Alternative
iPod Touch (7th gen)	2019	iOS 18	2028	iPad mini, iPhone SE
HomePod (1st gen)	2018	HomePod Software 17.5	2027	HomePod (2023), HomePod mini
MagSafe Battery Pack	2021	N/A (Hardware Accessory)	2026 (Repair Services)	Qi2 Chargers, EnergyRing (upcoming)
AirPower (Canceled)	Announced 2017	Never Released	N/A	Individual MagSafe & Qi2 Devices
Apple Watch Nike+	2016	watchOS 11	2029	Fitness Edition (rumored 2026)

What These Discontinuations Mean for Apple’s Ecosystem Strategy

Collectively, these five retirements underscore Apple’s strategic pivot toward consolidation, vertical integration, and AI-powered personalization. By eliminating overlapping or underperforming products, Apple reduces complexity in manufacturing, logistics, and customer support—all while sharpening its brand identity around core devices: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

Environmental considerations also play a role. According to Apple’s 2025 Environmental Progress Report, retiring older products enables more efficient recycling of rare earth materials and reduces e-waste through focused take-back programs 17. The company aims to achieve zero waste to landfill across all product lines by 2030.

Moreover, the removal of third-party collaborations like Nike+ hints at Apple’s desire for greater control over user experience and data flow. With Apple Intelligence now embedded across devices, tightly curated hardware-software combinations allow for better predictive analytics, health insights, and contextual awareness.

For consumers, the message is clear: Apple is moving away from modular customization and toward seamless, closed-loop ecosystems. While this enhances performance and security, it may limit flexibility for users who prefer interchangeable components or third-party integrations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will my iPod Touch still receive software updates after discontinuation?

Yes, Apple typically provides software support for discontinued devices for up to five years after their final sale. The iPod Touch (7th generation) will likely receive iOS updates and security patches until at least 2028 4.

Can I still use MagSafe accessories with the iPhone 16e?

Absolutely. While the MagSafe Battery Pack has been discontinued, all other MagSafe-compatible accessories—including chargers, wallets, and mounts—work seamlessly with the iPhone 16e, which retains the magnetic ring and NFC pairing system 18.

Is there any chance Apple will revive AirPower in the future?

Given the technical hurdles and Apple’s shift toward Qi2-standard charging, a revival of the original AirPower concept is unlikely. However, Apple may introduce a next-generation multi-device charging solution under a different name, possibly integrating Ultra Wideband (UWB) for precise device alignment 19.

Are Apple Watch Nike+ models worth buying secondhand?

Secondhand Apple Watch Nike+ units can be a good value for runners seeking lightweight design and exclusive band styles. However, buyers should verify battery health and ensure the device hasn’t been paired with an activation lock. All Nike+ models support the latest watchOS features 20.

What is replacing the HomePod (1st gen) for smart home control?

The 2023 HomePod and HomePod mini are the official successors, both offering improved Siri responsiveness, Thread border router functionality, and compatibility with Matter-enabled smart home devices. They also serve as secure hubs for HomeKit automation and encrypted video processing for compatible cameras 21.