From iPods to PowerBooks, Apple has a history of innovating and, sometimes, leaving beloved products behind. Join us on a nostalgic journey through some of the most memorable Apple products that are no longer with us.
Apple is renowned for its revolutionary technology and sleek designs, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. But for every iPhone, iPad, or MacBook that becomes a global phenomenon, there are also products that, for various reasons, meet their end. Discontinuation is a natural part of a fast-paced tech world, often making way for newer, more advanced innovations.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some iconic Apple products that, though gone, are certainly not forgotten.
1. The Original HomePod: A Premium Sound, Short-Lived Presence
When Apple launched the original HomePod in 2018, it aimed for the high-end audio market, promising unparalleled sound quality integrated with Siri. While critics praised its audio fidelity, its high price point and limited smart assistant capabilities in comparison to competitors like Amazon Echo and Google Home meant it struggled to capture a wider audience. In March 2021, Apple announced its discontinuation, opting to focus on the more affordable HomePod mini.
2. The iPod Series (Nano, Shuffle, Classic): The End of an Era
Perhaps the most emotional discontinuation for many Apple fans was the gradual phasing out of the standalone iPods.
- iPod Classic: The original, click-wheel marvel that revolutionized how we consume music. Its massive storage capacity made it a favorite for music purists. It was officially discontinued in 2014, largely due to the rise of streaming services and the iPhone’s increasing storage.
- iPod Nano & iPod Shuffle: These smaller, more portable versions offered unique form factors and became popular for workouts and casual listening. They held on a bit longer but were finally removed from Apple’s lineup in 2017, marking the true end of the dedicated iPod era (with only the iPod Touch remaining until 2022).
The iPhone, with its ability to store and stream millions of songs, ultimately absorbed the iPod’s function, making dedicated music players less relevant.
3. Airport Routers (Express, Extreme, Time Capsule): Farewell to Wi-Fi Hardware
For years, Apple offered its own line of Wi-Fi routers, known for their elegant design and user-friendly setup. The AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and the Time Capsule (which doubled as a backup drive) were popular choices for Apple ecosystem users. However, in 2016, Apple quietly exited the router market, confirming the discontinuation of its entire AirPort line. The company stated it was simplifying its product focus, leaving networking hardware to third-party manufacturers.
4. Thunderbolt Display: A Premium Monitor’s Departure
Released in 2011, the Apple Thunderbolt Display was a high-end monitor designed to complement Apple’s Mac lineup. It featured a built-in Thunderbolt dock, webcam, and speakers, offering a seamless experience for Mac users. However, as display technology advanced rapidly (hello, 4K and 5K!), and Apple shifted its focus to its iMac and MacBook displays, the Thunderbolt Display was discontinued in 2016 without a direct replacement, until the Pro Display XDR years later.
5. The G4 Cube: A Design Masterpiece Ahead of Its Time
The Power Mac G4 Cube, launched in 2000, was a design icon. Its compact, fanless, cube-shaped enclosure was a marvel of engineering and aesthetics. Despite its groundbreaking design, it suffered from a high price tag, limited expandability, and a peculiar “stress crack” issue in its acrylic casing. It was discontinued just over a year later, proving that sometimes, even Apple’s most innovative designs can be ahead of their market.
What Does Discontinuation Mean for Apple?
For Apple, discontinuing products is often a strategic move to streamline its lineup, focus resources on core innovations, and adapt to changing consumer demands. While it can be bittersweet for loyal users, it almost always paves the way for something new and often, something better.
Which discontinued Apple product do you miss the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
