As we’re approaching the end of the month, it’s safe to say that Apple has had a huge month with several product announcements. However, at the same time, we’ll have to say goodbye to several products, and some of these discontinuations are very noteworthy for Apple enthusiasts.
These products that were discontinued this month immediately saw replacements:
- iPhone 16e
- iPad Air (M3)
- MacBook Air (M4)
- MacBook Pro (M4 Pro and M4 Max)
- The original Studio Display (2022)
- The first-generation AirPods Max (USB-C)
Additionally, the original Magic Keyboard, designed for older iPad Pro models, has also been discontinued now that we have the newly designed Magic Keyboard accessories for both the iPad Air and the iPad Pro.
However, this month also marked the end of an era for several “Pro” accessories with no immediate replacements planned in the future.
- Pro Display XDR
- Pro Stand
- VESA Mount Adapter for Pro Display XDR
You could argue that the new Studio Display XDR is the “spiritual successor” to the Pro Display XDR; however, despite its improved specs such as 120Hz adaptive refresh rates and improved mini-LED technology with higher contrast ratios and more local dimming zones, it’s still smaller than the Pro Display XDR (27-inch 5K on Studio Display XDR vs. 32-inch 6K on Pro Display XDR).
However, the most significant news was the Mac Pro’s discontinuation (along with the infamous Mac Pro wheels). After almost twenty years on the market with very occasional updates and controversial form factors, the Mac Pro was officially axed by Apple, as shared by 9to5Mac. It’s no surprise considering that the Mac Studio effectively completes Apple’s vision of having a supercomputer that’s both space-efficient and modular, thanks to Thunderbolt 5. And with more frequent updates to the Mac Studio, there’s practically no need to have the Mac Pro around.
It goes without saying that Apple has had a huge month ahead of its 50th anniversary, which will happen on April 1, but if there’s anything to take from this, as Marques Brownlee says, “Studio is the new Pro,” and with the Mac Pro phased out, Apple’s Mac lineup finally makes sense. Apple has definitely hit a home run in satisfying both the consumer and professional markets with the products it announced this month.
