Apple has had a bustling fall season, featuring a packed September event, the mid-October launch of the iPad mini 7, and a series of “exciting announcements” at the end of the month.
Among all the new product launches, a number of older products were also phased out and are no longer available for purchase through the Apple Store. However, many third-party retailers still offer appealing deals on last-generation products.
#1 – iPad mini 6
In October, Apple launched a new iPad mini model, which features support for Apple Intelligence, compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, along with a fix for the jelly scrolling issue present in the iPad mini 6. While it’s a relatively minor upgrade, it was necessary after a three-year wait.
There isn’t much justification for choosing an older iPad mini model, as it lacks support for Apple Intelligence. Currently, there aren’t attractive deals on the previous model, but you can acquire the iPad mini 7 for $459.
#2 – FineWoven iPhone cases
Apple launched the controversial FineWoven cases alongside the iPhone 15 last year, intended as an “environmentally friendly” substitute for leather. While it was supposed to offer a premium fabric feel, it ultimately fell short; the cases scratch easily and didn’t meet expectations as a premium product.
In recognizing this, Apple has discontinued FineWoven iPhone cases for the iPhone 16 models, though they still offer FineWoven MagSafe wallets and Apple Watch bands. If you’re interested in a FineWoven case for your iPhone 15, you can find various deals on Amazon, such as one for the iPhone 15 Plus priced around $29.
#3 – M3 MacBook Pro
Apple introduced the new MacBook Pro featuring M4 in late October, which includes M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chipsets, upgrades to Thunderbolt 5 on higher models, essential RAM improvements, support for Center Stage, and an option to customize your Mac with a nano-texture display.
You can find some impressive deals on the M3 MacBook Pro models, including a special at Best Buy where the base model is available for $1299—a solid price for a 14-inch MacBook Pro considering the display quality.
#4 – M2 Mac mini
October also saw a major redesign of the Mac mini, which is significantly smaller than its predecessor, has frontal I/O, and uses M4/M4 Pro chipsets. This redesign increased RAM capacity, with the M4 model starting at 16GB and the M4 Pro beginning at 24GB, making it Apple’s most powerful desktop Mac.
Interestingly, deals on the outgoing Mac mini model aren’t noteworthy, and it would be wise to avoid purchasing it given the extent of the redesign. The M4 Mac mini is currently priced at $579 on Amazon.
#5 – M3 iMac
The iMac also received an update last month, transitioning from M3 to M4, offering additional Thunderbolt ports, and gaining Center Stage capabilities similar to the MacBook Pro. It now comes standard with 16GB of RAM—all for the same starting price of $1299, and it features a new selection of colors.
Currently, there aren’t compelling deals on the outgoing M3 iMac, but you can save $100 on the latest model by applying an on-page coupon, bringing the price down to $1199 on Amazon.
#6 and 7 – iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
Continuing the trend since 2018 with the debut of the iPhone XS, Apple has once again discontinued the previous generation of flagship iPhones, meaning the iPhone 15 Pro models were phased out upon the introduction of the iPhone 16 Pro models. There is, however, a unique incentive to purchase a refurbished 15 Pro, as it’s one of the few iPhones supporting Apple Intelligence.
You can currently get a renewed premium 128GB iPhone 15 Pro for $725, and a renewed premium 256GB iPhone 15 Pro Max for $864. Renewed Premium devices from Amazon come with a 1-year return window for peace of mind.
#8 – iPhone 13
Introduced in 2021, the iPhone 13 boasted several enhancements, such as improved battery life, a revamped camera system, and a smaller notch. It started at $799, and after several price reductions, dropped to as low as $599 before being discontinued.
While Amazon doesn’t typically sell new iPhones in the US, refurbished deals can be found, with prices as low as $372 for an unlocked iPhone 13 in excellent condition.
#9, 10, and 11 – Lightning Magic Accessories
With this fall’s Mac refresh, Apple has transitioned the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard to USB-C, officially phasing out all Lightning versions.
Although there are some deals on Lightning versions of these accessories, I would advise against purchasing them, as you might want to keep these accessories for a long time. Nevertheless, the Lightning Magic Trackpad is currently about $20 off.
#12 – Apple Watch Series 9
In light of the release of the slimmer Apple Watch Series 10, Apple has discontinued the older Apple Watch Series 9. This likely happened because the Series 10 retained the same starting price, leaving little room in the pricing structure between the SE and Series 10.
While there are some deals on the Apple Watch Series 9, I’d recommend against purchasing it, given that you can currently acquire a Series 10 for as low as $329.
#13, 14, and 15 – Remaining Lightning AirPods
With the launch of AirPods 4 and USB-C AirPods Max, Apple has replaced all remaining AirPods with a Lightning port, including AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Max (Lightning). AirPods 4 come in two variations with different price points, one featuring noise cancellation and the other without.
I would personally avoid purchasing AirPods 2 or AirPods 3, as the AirPods 4 present a better value. The basic version can be purchased for $119, and the noise-cancelling version retails for $168. If you’re interested in noise cancellation, consider the USB-C AirPods Pro 2, available for $189.
Additionally, there are some attractive clearance offers on AirPods Max (Lightning), with prices going as low as $399.
While the latest technology can be enticing and flashy, I believe it’s always wise to look for deals on recently discontinued items.
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