Apple Discontinued These Five Products in 2022

[MacRumors]

Apple announced many new products this year, such as the Mac Studio and the Apple Watch Ultra, but we also said goodbye to some other familiar products. Below, we've recapped five products and accessories discontinued by Apple throughout 2022.

27-inch iMac

Following the introduction of the Mac Studio and Studio Display in March, Apple discontinued the 27-inch iMac, which was the final iMac model with an Intel processor. With the iMac Pro also discontinued last year, the 24-inch iMac with the M1 chip is currently the only all-in-one desktop computer sold by Apple. Reputable sources like Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo have claimed that the iMac Pro could make a comeback in 2023.

iPod touch

Apple announced that it was discontinuing the iPod touch in May, and the device was removed from Apple's website in June. iOS 16 is not compatible with any iPod touch models, marking the end of software compatibility for the portable music player.

First introduced in October 2001, the iPod was one of Apple's most iconic products, but the device's discontinuation became inevitable over time given the wide array of Apple products that can now play music, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, HomePod mini, and more. The final generation of the iPod touch was introduced in May 2019.

Apple Watch Edition

Alongside the launch of the all-new Apple Watch Ultra with a titanium casing in September, the Apple Watch Edition line was discontinued.

Apple Watch Edition models had been available since the launch of the original Apple Watch in 2015. Over the years, these models set themselves apart with higher-end casing material options like gold, ceramic, and titanium. Apple Watch Ultra is now the only model to offer a titanium casing, while Hermès models remain available as a luxury option.

Apple TV HD

Following the launch of the third-generation Apple TV 4K in October, Apple discontinued the outdated Apple TV HD model first introduced in 2015.

The new Apple TV 4K starts at $129, whereas the Apple TV HD was priced at $149 prior to being discontinued. Originally launched as the fourth-generation Apple TV, and later renamed to the Apple TV HD, the streaming box is limited to 1080p video quality and was the first Apple TV to feature tvOS, an App Store, and a Siri-enabled remote.

5W Power Adapter

Apple appears to have discontinued its compact 5W charger for the iPhone in the U.S. around August, as the power adapter has been sold out since then.

Apple included the 5W charger with the iPhone 3G through the iPhone 11, although the charger received a few minor revisions over the years, in part due to two voluntary safety recalls issued by Apple in select countries. Unlike Apple's newer USB-C chargers, the 5W charger is equipped with a USB-A port and is not capable of fast charging.

iPhone 11 Pro models came with a faster 18W USB-C charger in the box, and Apple stopped including a charger at all with the iPhone 12 and newer.

Article Link: Apple Discontinued These Five Products in 2022

 

[routine_analyst]

Amazing. To the untrained eye, all of these products look identical to ones that still exist in the lineup.

 

[GeoStructural]

iPods were such a fantastic product, those were my first Apple devices; I had pretty much all of them but the Classic.

I still have a Red iPod Nano that looks pristine, and an iPod Touch that shows its age and the battery is toast but still works after 10 years.

 

[Realityck]

Following the introduction of the Mac Studio and Studio Display in March, Apple discontinued the 27-inch iMac, which was the final iMac model with an Intel processor. With the iMac Pro also discontinued last year, the 24-inch iMac with the M1 chip is currently the only all-in-one desktop computer sold by Apple. Reputable sources like Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo have claimed that the iMac Pro could make a comeback in 2023.

Still don't understand the logic with canceling the larger iMac except make it a sacrificial lamb to help sell the headless Mac Studio. Yes it was probably due to parts obsolesce. Still they came out with a 24" iMac May 2021, and then nothing after many months until it was taken off the store.

 

[BrownyQ]

Of all these, the iPod touch discontinuation felt like the most impactful; the end of an era. I only ever owned a single iPod model, that being the original nano. And boy did I love that little device!

I came super close to buying myself this last generation touch, but never did. Fortunately, I have a family member who still has one as an accessibility device, so the day they upgrade to a low end iPhone, I'll just take the iPod for myself as a new toy to play with.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

What happened to the iPod Touch was still disgraceful. The last iOS device to have a headphone jack, gone. They killed it off on its anniversary no less.

It was such a stupid move to get rid of it right as DAPs started to rise in popularity again with Android DAPs like FiiO.

God this year in general has just sucked as an Apple fan.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

The 27-Inch iMac should have not been discontinued in the first place. The feeling you get from Mac Studio is not the same. I do miss the all-in-one set up desktop you get from an iMac.

In addition, RIP to 5W Power Adapter I still use it daily and it does not overheat my iPhone due to excessive heating from fast charging.

 

[crsh1976]

Is the old (overpriced) 5W power plug really worth mentioning?

 

[vegetassj4]

The iPod is what started turning Apple into the consumer electronics juggernaut it is today.

 

[MacLawyer]

I'm really glad I got the last 27" iMac model fully specced out. I use it daily. It's still plenty fast. Wonder why Apple hasn't come out with a silicon large screen model.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

Still don't understand the logic with canceling the larger iMac? Yes it was probably do to parts obsolesce. Still they came out with a 24" iMac May 2021, and then nothing after many months until it was taken off the store.

The 27-Inch iMac should have not been discontinued in the first place. The feeling you get from Mac Studio is not the same. I do miss the all-in-one set up desktop you get from an iMac.

In addition, RIP to 5W Power Adapter I still use it daily and it does not overheat my iPhone due to excessive heating from fast charging.

I'm really glad I got the last 27" iMac model fully specced out. I use it daily. It's still plenty fast. Wonder why Apple hasn't come out with a silicon large screen model.

There's evidence that the StudiNo Display was supposed to be the 27 inch iMac with it having a full logic board and heatsink inside, but due to something outside of their control like possible chip supply issues they decided to scrap it and just do a Mac Studio + StudiNo Display combo.

That's not to say it ain't coming back. The 27 inch is a very popular iMac, so it's very possible they were saving it for M2 when chip supply improved so they could get maximum sales from the 27 inch. Or they're gonna rebrand it as the iMac Pro so they're waiting for M2 Max to stick that into the iMac.

But hey who knows. All in One Desktops have been on the decline lately

 

[GMShadow]

Idly, the iPod Touch was the final iOS device to have white screen bezels. The SE2 and 3 have been black only regardless of case color, and the iPad 9 dropped the gold case and white screen bezels as well.

I still use my 7th gen daily, 128GB in blue I bought in 2020. Would have loved another generation, but I'm not surprised it didn't happen.

 

[McJobs]

Deleted.

 

[entropys]

Still don't understand the logic with canceling the larger iMac except make it a sacrificial lamb to help sell the headless Mac Studio. Yes it was probably due to parts obsolesce. Still they came out with a 24" iMac May 2021, and then nothing after many months until it was taken off the store.

The 27 inch iMac would be lucky to have half the margin value of a separate studio and studio display. End of story.

Corporates are taking over Apple.

 

[GeneralChang]

The fact that the 5 watt power adapter was being sold until this past August is a travesty. It's baffling to me how many people I know who just think phones all charge that slow and always have.

 

[citysnaps]

There's evidence that the StudiNo Display was supposed to be the 27 inch iMac with it having a full logic board and heatsink inside, but due to something outside of their control like possible chip supply issues they decided to scrap it and just do a Mac Studio + StudiNo Display combo.

Curious what the evidence was and from what credible source.

Can't imagine Apple releasing the Mac Studio without an Apple display to go with it, as most people would balk at having to purchase a Display XDR for a monitor.

 

[citysnaps]

The fact that the 5 watt power adapter was being sold until this past August is a travesty. It's baffling to me how many people I know who just think phones all charge that slow and always have.

Not everyone wants to fast-charge their phones. And that Apple's 5W charger is UL approved is important/mandatory to many people - including myself.

 

[docbop]

Apple announced many new products this year, such as the Mac Studio and the Apple Watch Ultra, but we also said goodbye to some other familiar products. Below, we've recapped five products and accessories discontinued by Apple throughout 2022.

27-inch iMac

Following the introduction of the Mac Studio and Studio Display in March, Apple discontinued the 27-inch iMac, which was the final iMac model with an Intel processor. With the iMac Pro also discontinued last year, the 24-inch iMac with the M1 chip is currently the only all-in-one desktop computer sold by Apple. Reputable sources like Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo have claimed that the iMac Pro could make a comeback in 2023.

iPod touch

Apple announced that it was discontinuing the iPod touch in May, and the device was removed from Apple's website in June. iOS 16 is not compatible with any iPod touch models, marking the end of software compatibility for the portable music player.

First introduced in October 2001, the iPod was one of Apple's most iconic products, but the device's discontinuation became inevitable over time given the wide array of Apple products that can now play music, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, HomePod mini, and more. The final generation of the iPod touch was introduced in May 2019.

Apple Watch Edition

Alongside the launch of the all-new Apple Watch Ultra with a titanium casing in September, the Apple Watch Edition line was discontinued.

Apple Watch Edition models had been available since the launch of the original Apple Watch in 2015. Over the years, these models set themselves apart with higher-end casing material options like gold, ceramic, and titanium. Apple Watch Ultra is now the only model to offer a titanium casing, while Hermès models remain available as a luxury option.

Apple TV HD

Following the launch of the third-generation Apple TV 4K in October, Apple discontinued the outdated Apple TV HD model first introduced in 2015.

The new Apple TV 4K starts at $129, whereas the Apple TV HD was priced at $149 prior to being discontinued. Originally launched as the fourth-generation Apple TV, and later renamed to the Apple TV HD, the streaming box is limited to 1080p video quality and was the first Apple TV to feature tvOS, an App Store, and a Siri-enabled remote.

5W Power Adapter

Apple appears to have discontinued its compact 5W charger for the iPhone in the U.S. around August, as the power adapter has been sold out since then.

Apple included the 5W charger with the iPhone 3G through the iPhone 11, although the charger received a few minor revisions over the years, in part due to two voluntary safety recalls issued by Apple in select countries. Unlike Apple's newer USB-C chargers, the 5W charger is equipped with a USB-A port and is not capable of fast charging.

iPhone 11 Pro models came with a faster 18W USB-C charger in the box, and Apple stopped including a charger at all with the iPhone 12 and newer.

Article Link: Looking Back at Five Apple Products Discontinued in 2022

So stupid the 27" iMac disappeared my current and last Mac's both were 27" iMacs. The second one I ordered the day Apple announced they were moving to Apple Silicon. I've been working for Mac companies and using Mac off and on since the Apple II, and have lived through multiple big changes by Apple and they are never smooth and take a few years for the dust to settle so that's why I order my second iMac and glad I did. I got the top of the line iMac with Intel i9 chip and it is a fast as a M1 especially in single core apps. I work in audio not video and that would be the one place the new M-series would be faster. But to me the iMac with 4K and 5K screens, lots of ports, and small desktop footprint for a large screen computer is perfect. A friend got a 24" M1 iMac and it's nice, but it would be better with the bigger screen.

For reference before my iMac's I was using Mac Pros and they were great even though they did break down more than any other Mac's I've had. Usually video card or power supply problems. My old cheese grater Mac Pro's were powerful and the price for that power wasn't bad compared to the later Mac Pro's.

 

[now i see it]

“Gotta wear out those batteries faster somehow Tim”
“Yeah you’re right Jeff, discontinue the 5W charger. That ought to do it”

 

[Gudi]

Still don't understand the logic with canceling the larger iMac except make it a sacrificial lamb to help sell the headless Mac Studio. Yes it was probably due to parts obsolesce. Still they came out with a 24" iMac May 2021, and then nothing after many months until it was taken off the store.

Don't worry, I'm absolutely certain there's a 30-inch iMac with an M2 Pro/Max coming.

 

[BrownyQ]

Not everyone wants to fast-charge their phones. And that Apple's 5W charger is UL approved is important/mandatory to many people - including myself.

Following up on this: there is/was this prevalent myth amongst the general phone-buying masses I observed during my time in the industry, that the "optimal" way to charge your device was to use the included cable and charging brick.

Explaining to the layman that the brick itself is what determined the amount of power being supplied, and that the cable could put a limit on that power, alongside the port on the device itself? Almost impossible.

So it doesn't surprise me that people still flocked to the 5W brick. Partly because it was "cheap" (even when it wasn't, really), but likely because it was the "original" brick their phone came with.

 

[sorgo †]

Damn. The iPod touch (the original was my first “iPhone OS” device) and 5W power adapter really hurt 😪❤️‍🩹

 

[Realityck]

Don't worry, I'm absolutely certain there's a 30-inch iMac with an M2 Pro/Max coming.

Hope so in spite of the all-in-one Mac doubts, it's such a tech icon that a lot of asian drama shows featuring business execs always having large iMac on their desks. When have we ever seen a TV show that featured a Mac Studio combo?

 

[GeneralChang]

Not everyone wants to fast-charge their phones. And that Apple's 5W charger is UL approved is important/mandatory to many people - including myself.

You speak very much for yourself there. Pretty much everyone I know would prefer their phones to charge faster than that 5W adapter was capable of.

And there are literally hundreds of very similar UL validated USB power supplies out there that cost less than Apple charges for theirs. Have been since before the iPhone even existed, when they were marketed toward iPod owners. That's hardly the badge of honor you seem to think it is.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

Curious what the evidence was and from what credible source.

Can't imagine Apple releasing the Mac Studio without an Apple display to go with it, as most people would balk at having to purchase a Display XDR for a monitor.

The evidence is the interior of the StudiNo Display

When iFixIt disassembled the "monitor" they found some very interesting tidbits. https://www.ifixit.com/News/58242/studio-display-teardown-is-this-secretly-an-imac

The logic board of the monitor matches an iMac's very closely, even having space for storage as the A13 the monitor actually has 64 gbs of storage AND has iOS installed. The monitor has a power supply completely inside it, with a massive desktop class heatsink that exists solely to cool that PSU. Everything about the "monitor's" internals suggests this was originally supposed to be the 27 inch iMac but halfway they decided against it, presumably because the M1 family was on the way out or setbacks with the chip shortage.

It's very possible this design will come back to be the 27 inch iMac (or iMac Pro as they'll most likely call it) with an M2 Max chip inside.