Apple Officially Discontinues Original iPhone SE, Several Other Devices
CUPERTINO, CA – Apple has officially declared the original iPhone SE, released in March 2016, obsolete as of today, adding it to a list of older devices no longer eligible for hardware repairs or software support. The move impacts users still relying on the device and marks the end of an era for Apple’s first foray into a more affordable iPhone option.
The original iPhone SE, alongside several other products including the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, are now considered obsolete according to Apple’s support website. This designation means Apple and it’s authorized service providers will no longer repair these devices, even if the issue is covered under warranty or AppleCare.Parts availability is also restricted. The discontinuation affects users who preferred the iPhone SE’s compact 4-inch form factor and its surprisingly powerful A9 chip, which offered performance comparable to the iPhone 6s at a lower price point.
Launched in March 2016,the iPhone SE was Apple’s attempt to cater to a broader market by offering a more accessible entry point into the iPhone ecosystem. Priced at $399 for the 16GB model and $499 for the 64GB version, it quickly gained popularity for its combination of modern hardware and a familiar, albeit slightly dated, design. The device shipped with iOS 9 and received updates through iOS 15.
Beyond the iPhone SE,Apple has also designated the following products as obsolete: iPhone 6,iPhone 6 plus,iPad Air 2,and iPad mini 4. This practice is standard for Apple, typically occurring seven years after a product’s last sale. While software support often ends sooner, obsolescence signifies the complete end of hardware serviceability.
