iPhone 17 Launch May Retire These 6 Apple Devices

Apple’s iPhone 17 launch on September 9 may not just bring new models but could also mark the end of six existing Apple devices. Find out which products are at risk, what upgrades to expect, and how the new lineup changes Apple’s strategy. A complete guide for Indian Apple fans ahead of the “Awe Dropping” event.

Table of Contents

iPhone 17 Launch Event Overview
All iPhone 17 Models Explained
6 Apple Devices That May Be Retired
New Apple Watch Series 11 & Ultra 3
AirPods Pro 3 Launch & Features
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: What’s New
FAQs on iPhone 17 Launch

iPhone 17 Launch Event Overview

Apple’s much-hyped “Awe Dropping” event is scheduled for September 9, 2025 at its Cupertino headquarters. The event is expected to showcase the all-new iPhone 17 series, next-generation Apple Watches, and the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3. For Indian consumers, the event will be streamed live, giving fans a closer look at Apple’s biggest hardware upgrades of the year.

The iPhone 17 series is more than just an upgrade — it represents a major shift in Apple’s product strategy. With design changes, higher megapixel cameras, and the possible retirement of older models, this launch could redefine Apple’s lineup.

All iPhone 17 Models Explained

Apple is expected to introduce four distinct variants of the iPhone 17 lineup:

iPhone 17: The standard flagship with a larger 6.3-inch display, upgraded selfie camera, and A19 chipset.
iPhone 17 Air: A brand-new variant, replacing the Plus model. Thinner, lighter, and with a pill-shaped camera design.
iPhone 17 Pro: Powered by the new A19 Pro chip, featuring upgraded triple-camera setup with a 48MP telephoto lens.
iPhone 17 Pro Max: The ultimate model with a massive 5000mAh battery and enhanced zoom capabilities.

The iPhone 17 Air is particularly interesting for India, where lighter smartphones are gaining traction among young professionals and students. With just 145 grams of weight and a thickness of 5.5mm, it might be the thinnest iPhone ever made.

“The new iPhone 17 Air could be Apple’s boldest redesign in years, aiming to challenge competitors like Google Pixel with a fresh camera layout.”

6 Apple Devices That May Be Retired

While excitement surrounds the iPhone 17, Apple may also discontinue several older devices to streamline its portfolio. Based on leaks and industry speculation, here are the likely candidates:

Device	Reason for Retirement
iPhone 16 Plus	Replaced by iPhone 17 Air
iPhone 16 Pro	Shift to new Pro lineup with upgraded cameras
iPhone 16 Pro Max	Replaced by larger-battery 17 Pro Max
iPhone 16E (SE 4)	Low demand and overlap with budget models
Apple Watch SE 2	Making way for new Apple Watch SE
AirPods Pro 2	Replaced by AirPods Pro 3 with H3 chip

For Indian buyers, this means steeper discounts on existing iPhone 16 models once Apple officially announces their retirement. Retailers may offer festive season deals before Diwali to clear old stock.

New Apple Watch Series 11 & Ultra 3

Apple is expected to launch the Apple Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3. Both watches will be powered by the new S11 processor, delivering faster performance and improved battery life. The WatchOS 26 software will bring better health tracking, sleep insights, and integration with Apple Intelligence.

A new Apple Watch SE could also make its debut, marking the first upgrade to the affordable SE line since 2022.

AirPods Pro 3 Launch & Features

The AirPods Pro 3 are set to launch alongside the iPhone 17 series. These earphones will feature:

New H3 chipset for better Active Noise Cancellation
Improved battery life
Heart rate and temperature monitoring
Refreshed ergonomic design

iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: What’s New

To help buyers in India decide, here’s a quick comparison between iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 series:

Feature	iPhone 16 Series	iPhone 17 Series
Display	60Hz / some Pro models 120Hz	120Hz LTPO OLED on all models
Front Camera	12MP	24MP with 2x crop zoom
Processor	A18 Bionic	A19 / A19 Pro
Battery	4676mAh (Pro Max)	5000mAh (Pro Max)