Apple Has Quietly Discontinued Three Popular Devices – Here’s Why Shoppers Are Concerned

Apple has recently made a bold move, quietly discontinuing three of its popular products without much fanfare. This decision has left many loyal customers concerned, wondering what this means for their favorite Apple devices and whether they should make a last-minute purchase before stock runs out.

In this blog post, we’ll break down which devices have been axed, why Apple may have made this decision, and what it means for those who own or were planning to buy these products.

Which Apple Devices Have Been Discontinued?

As of June 2024, Apple has silently removed three of its well-known products from the market:

• Apple Watch Series 9 (Product Red)
• Apple Watch Ultra 2
• MagSafe Battery Pack

The sudden disappearance of these devices has raised eyebrows, especially since Apple has not made any official announcement about their discontinuation. Many shoppers who have relied on these products are now scrambling to find remaining stock before they disappear completely.

Why Did Apple Discontinue These Devices?

There are a few possible reasons why Apple has decided to pull these products from its lineup:

1. Patent Disputes Over Apple Watches

One of the main reasons Apple may have discontinued the Apple Watch Series 9 (Product Red) and Apple Watch Ultra 2 is due to an ongoing patent dispute with medical technology company Masimo. The conflict centers around Apple’s blood oxygen monitoring feature, which Masimo claims infringes on its patents.

Reports suggest that Apple was forced to make changes to its Apple Watch lineup to comply with a ban imposed by the International Trade Commission (ITC). This could explain why these specific models were removed, while others remain unaffected.

2. Newer Products Are on the Horizon

Apple is known for refreshing its lineup regularly, and discontinuing older models could signal that newer, improved versions are coming soon. If that’s the case, shoppers may not be left without an alternative for long.

3. The MagSafe Battery Pack’s Gradual Phase-Out

The removal of the MagSafe Battery Pack is slightly less surprising. Apple has been shifting its focus toward other charging solutions, particularly MagSafe-compatible power banks from third-party manufacturers. Additionally, with increasing improvements in battery life across the iPhone lineup, demand for the MagSafe Battery Pack may have dwindled.

What Does This Mean for Apple Users?

If you own one of the discontinued Apple Watches or the MagSafe Battery Pack, you may be wondering what this means for you. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Support Will Still Be Available – Just because Apple has stopped selling these products doesn’t mean they will stop supporting them. If you own an Apple Watch Series 9 or an Ultra 2, you can still expect software updates and customer service assistance for the foreseeable future.
• Availability in Third-Party Stores – While Apple has removed the products from its website and retail stores, remaining inventory may still be available from third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and carrier stores.
• Now Might Be the Time to Buy – If you’ve had your eye on one of these devices, it may be a good idea to purchase one now before stock completely runs out.

Are There Replacements for These Discontinued Devices?

Yes! While some shoppers may be disappointed by these specific products being discontinued, Apple still offers plenty of alternatives.

For Apple Watch Users

• If you were interested in the Apple Watch Series 9 (Product Red), you can still purchase the Series 9 in other colors.
• The Apple Watch Ultra 2 was removed, but Apple may soon introduce a new Ultra model later this year.

For MagSafe Battery Pack Users

• Apple still sells the MagSafe Duo Charger, which could be a good alternative for portable charging needs.
• Several reputable third-party brands, such as Anker and Belkin, offer high-quality MagSafe-compatible battery packs.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s decision to quietly discontinue these three devices may have caught some shoppers off guard, but it’s not entirely unexpected. Between patent disputes, the push for newer products, and shifting consumer needs, Apple is likely making these moves strategically.

If you’re concerned about losing access to one of these products, now is the time to act. Check third-party retailers while supplies last, and stay tuned for announcements on potential replacements in the near future.

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