Apple’s fall season has been incredibly eventful, featuring a bustling September event, the mid-October release of the iPad mini 7, followed by an “exciting week of announcements” at the month’s end.
Amid these new product launches, several older models were phased out, thus becoming unavailable for purchase directly from the Apple Store. Nonetheless, there are still attractive deals on last generation products available through third-party retailers.
#1 – iPad mini 6
In October, Apple launched a refreshed iPad mini model, introducing support for Apple Intelligence, compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, and resolving the jelly scrolling issue associated with the previous iPad mini 6. Though the upgrade is modest, it was a necessary improvement after three years of waiting.
There isn’t a compelling reason to opt for an older iPad mini model, but if Apple Intelligence isn’t essential for you, the last generation model is available for $349 with 64GB of storage.
#2 – FineWoven iPhone Cases
Last year, Apple launched the heavily debated FineWoven cases alongside the iPhone 15, marketed as an “eco-friendly” alternative to leather. Although designed to provide a premium fabric experience, the cases fell short, being prone to scratches and not living up to premium product expectations.
It appears Apple recognized these shortcomings, as FineWoven cases have been discontinued for the iPhone 16 models. However, FineWoven MagSafe wallets and Apple Watch bands remain available. If you’re interested in purchasing a FineWoven case for your iPhone 15, you can find various deals on Amazon, including one for the iPhone 15 Pro priced at just $21.
#3 – M3 MacBook Pro
Late last month, Apple revealed the new MacBook Pro equipped with M4 chips, including M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max options, an upgrade to Thunderbolt 5 for higher-end models, essential RAM improvements, support for Center Stage, and an option for a nano-texture display.
Currently, some attractive deals are available on the M3 MacBook Pro, including a base model at Best Buy for $1199—a fantastic price for a 14-inch MacBook Pro, especially considering the display quality.
#4 – M2 Mac mini
This month, Apple announced its most significant redesign of the Mac mini, making it noticeably smaller than its predecessor, optimizing the frontal I/O, and utilizing M4/M4 Pro chipsets. This redesign also enhanced RAM, positioning the M4 model with 16GB and M4 Pro with 24GB by default, marking it as Apple’s most powerful desktop Mac.
Though there aren’t any exceptional deals on the previous Mac mini model, avoiding it is wise given the scale of its redesign. The M4 Mac mini can be found for $499 on Amazon after applying an on-page coupon. The outgoing model is available for $469 right now, but it’s advisable to avoid it due to the inferior RAM capacity.
#5 – M3 iMac
The iMac also saw an upgrade last month, moving from M3 to M4, introducing extra Thunderbolt ports, and gaining the same Center Stage feature as the MacBook Pro. Additionally, it now includes 16GB of RAM by default, all while remaining at the starting price of $1299. It also sports a new selection of colors.
While there aren’t notable discounts on the previous M3 iMac model at the moment, the current version can be acquired for $1149 on Amazon after a $150 coupon is applied.
#6 and 7 – iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
Continuing the tradition established since 2018 with the iPhone XS, Apple has discontinued the previous generation of flagship iPhones. As a result, the iPhone 15 Pro models were phased out with the introduction of the iPhone 16 Pro models. However, there’s a compelling reason to consider buying a refurbished 15 Pro, as it’s one of the few iPhones supporting Apple Intelligence.
Currently, you can find a renewed premium 128GB iPhone 15 Pro for $719, and a renewed premium 256GB iPhone 15 Pro Max for $894. Amazon Renewed Premium devices come with a one-year return window for added peace of mind.
#8 – iPhone 13
Launched by Apple in 2021, the iPhone 13 featured several enhancements, including improved battery life, a new camera system, and a smaller notch. Originally priced at $799, it has experienced a series of price reductions and previously dropped to as low as $599 before its discontinuation.
Although Amazon does not sell new iPhones in the US, refurbished offers can be found starting at $370 for an unlocked iPhone 13 in excellent condition.
#9, 10, and 11 – Lightning Magic Accessories
With the recent Mac updates, Apple has moved the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard to USB-C, discontinuing all Lightning versions.
While some deals on Lightning versions are available, I advise against purchasing these if you’re looking for accessories that will last. However, the Magic Mouse with Lightning is currently discounted by $12, and the Magic Trackpad with Lightning has a discount around $20.
#12 – Apple Watch Series 9
Following the launch of the slimmer Apple Watch Series 10, Apple has discontinued the older Apple Watch Series 9, primarily because the Series 10 kept the same starting price, leaving little room in the pricing structure for a model between the SE and Series 10.
Deals on the Apple Watch Series 9 can be found, such as one available for $299, but I recommend against purchasing it given that the Series 10 can currently be acquired for as low as $329.
#13, 14, and 15 – Remaining Lightning AirPods
With the release of AirPods 4 and USB-C versions of AirPods Max, Apple has phased out all AirPods using a Lightning port, including AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Max (Lightning). Two variants of AirPods 4 were introduced at different price points, one with noise cancellation and another without.
Personally, I would advise against buying AirPods 2 or 3, since AirPods 4 offer so much value. The basic version starts at $119, and the noise-cancelling variant is priced at $168. You might also consider the USB-C AirPods Pro 2 for noise cancellation, currently available for $169.
Additionally, some clearance deals on AirPods Max (Lightning) can be found, with prices dropping as low as $399.
While the latest technology always appears enticing, it’s often beneficial to explore deals on recently discontinued products, in my view.
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