What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The “next week” claim is premature. As of August 18, 2026, reporting points to Apple’s next major iPhone and Apple Watch event occurring during the week of September 7—not August 24–30. Apple has not confirmed the event date, product lineup, or any specific discontinuations.
The strongest candidates to leave Apple’s direct catalog are the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, if Apple launches their successors. Several Apple Watch models are also possible candidates. Most other products in a 10-item rumor list are considerably less certain.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The short answer
Apple may remove several current-generation products from Apple.com after its expected September 2026 hardware launch, but there is no reliable basis for saying that 10 products will be discontinued next week.
Recommended Free Tools
The likely timing is tied to the next product announcement and, in some cases, the successor’s retail availability. An announcement does not always mean the older model disappears immediately. Apple can continue selling an outgoing device until inventory runs out, while retailers and carriers may sell remaining stock for much longer.
#1 Best Overall
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
Current reporting suggests that Apple could introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, new Apple Watch models, and possibly a foldable “iPhone Ultra.” These products remain rumored, not confirmed. The reported split iPhone cycle also makes it difficult to predict what will happen to the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone Air.
What “discontinued” means
In this context, “discontinued” should usually mean that Apple stops selling a product directly through its online or physical stores. It does not necessarily mean that:
- Every retailer has run out of stock.
- Apple immediately stops software updates, repairs, or warranty service.
- The device becomes unusable.
- Apple has officially announced an end date.
A specific color, storage tier, size, or cellular configuration may disappear before the entire product family does. Apple may also quietly stop producing a model without publicly describing the change.
For buyers, the practical distinction is important: an outgoing device can still be a good purchase if it has the features and support life you need, especially when a retailer offers a genuine clearance discount.
How likely is each product to disappear?
| Product | Likelihood of eventual removal from Apple’s direct catalog | Best interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro | High, if iPhone 18 Pro launches | Strong candidate |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | High, if iPhone 18 Pro Max launches | Strong candidate |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | Medium to high, if Series 12 launches | Strong candidate |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Medium, if Ultra 4 launches | Conditional candidate |
| Apple Watch SE 3 | Low to medium | Depends on an SE 4 |
| iPhone Air | Low to medium | Unclear product-cycle decision |
| iPhone 17 | Low | Could remain as a lower-priced option |
| iPhone 17e | Very low | Recently launched; no credible imminent-removal evidence |
| AirPods Pro 3 | Low | No established imminent successor |
| AirPods Max 2 | Very low | Recently launched; exclude from a serious “likely” list |
The products most at risk
1. iPhone 17 Pro
The iPhone 17 Pro is one of the clearest candidates for removal if Apple introduces an iPhone 18 Pro. Apple generally positions its Pro iPhones as one-year flagship models, replacing them with the next generation rather than keeping several Pro generations in its main store.
That does not establish a specific removal date. Apple could stop taking new orders after the replacement is announced, or keep selling remaining inventory until the new phone ships. Retailers and carriers may continue offering the iPhone 17 Pro after Apple removes it from Apple.com.
Rank #2
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Buy now if: you need the phone before September, find a substantial discount, or prefer its known design and features. Wait if: you want the newest Pro model and can comfortably postpone the purchase.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →2. iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro Max faces the same replacement risk. If the rumored iPhone 18 Pro Max launches, Apple would have a conventional reason to remove the previous Pro Max from its direct lineup.
Do not assume Apple will offer a large official clearance discount. Apple may simply stop selling the device while third-party sellers clear their remaining inventory. A retailer promotion can therefore become more important than Apple’s own pricing.
Buy now if: you specifically want the current Pro Max, need it for work or travel, or have a compelling trade-in or carrier offer. Wait if: you want to compare the next generation’s camera, battery, performance, and price.
3. Apple Watch Series 11
Apple Watch Series 11 could be removed if Apple announces a Series 12 around its expected September event. Apple has commonly used its fall iPhone launch to introduce a new mainline Apple Watch generation.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The outcome is not guaranteed. Apple could retain the Series 11 at a lower price, depending on how it positions the new lineup and whether enough inventory remains. Reporting about the next Apple Watch generation should therefore be treated as a forecast, not an Apple confirmation.
Rank #3
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
4. Apple Watch Ultra 3
Reports have mentioned a possible Apple Watch Ultra 4, which would put the Ultra 3 on the replacement watch list. Its probability is lower than the iPhone 17 Pro’s because the timing and existence of an Ultra 4 remain uncertain.
If Apple announces and ships an Ultra 4, the Ultra 3 could leave Apple’s direct catalog. If not, there is no current reason to assume that the Ultra 3 will disappear next week.
5. Apple Watch SE 3
The Apple Watch SE 3 could eventually be replaced by an SE 4, but this is a weaker prediction. The SE line may follow a longer sales cycle than Apple’s premium Watch models.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Unless Apple announces an SE 4, treating the SE 3 as likely to be discontinued would overstate the evidence. Budget-conscious buyers should compare its current price with the cost of waiting, rather than making a decision solely because of the September rumors.
Products affected by the unusual iPhone cycle
6. iPhone Air
The iPhone Air is difficult to classify. Some reports suggest Apple may delay a second-generation iPhone Air until 2027, while other coverage focuses on changes to the 2026 iPhone lineup. If Apple does not launch an immediate replacement, it could keep the current Air available longer—or decide to change the product’s position in the lineup.
There is not enough evidence to say that the iPhone Air will definitely be discontinued. It belongs on a watch list, not a definitive removal list.
Rank #4
- Automatically on, automatically connected
- Easy setup for all your Apple devices
- Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”
- Double-tap to play or skip forward
- New Apple H1 headphone chip delivers faster wireless connection to your devices
7. iPhone 17
The standard iPhone 17 could remain available if the standard iPhone 18 is delayed until 2027. Apple may choose to keep the current model as a lower-priced option while introducing only Pro models or other premium hardware in 2026.
This is why a simple assumption that every current iPhone will disappear after the next launch is unreliable. The lineup may change by tier rather than all at once.
Products that should not be called likely discontinuations
8. iPhone 17e
Apple introduced the iPhone 17e in March 2026. There is no credible evidence in the available reporting that it is about to leave Apple’s catalog. A future lineup adjustment is possible, but including it as a likely next-week discontinuation would be speculation.
9. AirPods Pro 3
AirPods do not necessarily follow the same annual replacement schedule as iPhones. Although a future AirPods Pro model could eventually replace the AirPods Pro 3, the evidence does not establish an imminent successor or removal date.
Buyers who need AirPods Pro 3 should focus on current price, fit, battery condition, and return policies—not the unsupported assumption that the product will disappear next week.
10. AirPods Max 2
AirPods Max 2 is an especially weak candidate. It was introduced in 2026, making its removal the following week implausible without a surprise announcement. A future over-ear redesign could eventually replace it, but that is not the same as a credible near-term discontinuation forecast.
Best Value
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
Why the September timing matters
Apple’s recent fall pattern supports watching September, not August 24–30. In 2025, Apple introduced the iPhone 17 family, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3, and AirPods Pro 3 in its fall hardware cycle. The 2024 event similarly included the iPhone 16 family, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4. Apple’s 2025 announcement shows why a September refresh can lead to changes in the direct catalog.
Current reporting places the next major event in the week of September 7, 2026, with September 8 or 9 often suggested. That date is not confirmed by Apple. Macworld’s event-date roundup is a useful reference for the current expectation, but it is not an official schedule.
What happens when Apple stops selling a device?
- Retail availability may continue: carriers, warehouse clubs, electronics retailers, and refurbished sellers may still have stock.
- Prices may move in either direction: some sellers discount outgoing models, while scarce configurations can become harder to find.
- Support does not end automatically: Apple may continue repairs, parts service, warranty obligations, and software updates after new sales stop.
- Regional catalogs can differ: a model removed from Apple’s U.S. store may remain available in another market because of inventory, regulation, or cellular compatibility.
- Refurbished stock is separate: Apple may later list a discontinued device in its Certified Refurbished store, but availability and configurations are unpredictable.
Should you buy now or wait?
Buy now when:
- You specifically want an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max and need it before September.
- A retailer, carrier, or trade-in promotion creates a meaningful discount.
- You need the device for work, school, travel, or an imminent event.
- You prefer a known model and do not want to risk launch delays, shortages, or higher prices.
Wait when:
- You want the newest iPhone Pro or Apple Watch.
- Your current device works adequately.
- You want to compare real-world battery life, cameras, durability, and pricing.
- You are considering a rumored foldable iPhone or another unconfirmed model.
For a purchase made directly from Apple, check the live U.S. Apple Store immediately before ordering. Availability, prices, trade-in values, and financing terms can change quickly. Apple’s current U.S. upgrade option is Apple Upgrade; Apple announced in July 2026 that it would replace the former iPhone Upgrade Program and that iPhone Payments would no longer be offered in the United States. Review the current terms rather than relying on older upgrade-program descriptions.
How to verify a discontinuation
- Check Apple’s store: confirm whether the exact model and configuration can still be ordered.
- Check Apple’s newsroom: look for an official announcement of the successor and its availability date.
- Separate announcement from shipment: the older model may remain orderable until the replacement reaches stores.
- Compare retailers: determine whether remaining stock is discounted and whether it is new, refurbished, carrier-locked, or activation-eligible.
- Check support implications separately: sales status does not by itself determine software or repair support.
Bottom line
The headline that 10 Apple products will be discontinued next week is not supported by the available evidence. The meaningful watch period is after Apple’s expected September 2026 event and the subsequent launch of any replacement models.
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are the strongest candidates for eventual removal if the rumored iPhone 18 Pro models arrive. Apple Watch Series 11 is also a plausible candidate, with the Ultra 3 and SE 3 dependent on uncertain successor launches. The iPhone Air and standard iPhone 17 are complicated by the rumored split launch cycle, while the iPhone 17e, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods Max 2 should not be presented as likely next-week discontinuations.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
