When Apple unveils a new generation of hardware, the old guard makes way. It is a ruthless, predictable cycle. But the September 2026 "Surprise and Shine" event triggered one of the most aggressive ecosystem purges in recent memory, wiping out several popular devices across the iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad lineups in a single afternoon.Key HighlightsAbout The AuthorI love telling stories about technology that actually matter. I enjoy going beyond specs and buzzwords to understand how tech is changing the way we live, work and connect. I started my journalism journey in 2015, and over the years, I’ve learned that the best tech stories are not always about the newest gadget, but about why it matters to you. iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are officially discontinued as of September 2026. Apple Watch Series 10 and the 2nd-generation Apple Watch SE have been removed from sale. The 10th-generation iPad is officially retired, pushing buyers toward the iPad Air or newer base models. The standard iPhone 17 remains on sale, filling the gap left by the delayed iPhone 18 base model. Third-party retailers still hold limited, discounted stock of these discontinued devices. All discontinued models will continue receiving software updates and official Apple repairs for years.The most immediate casualties are the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Within hours of the keynote ending, both devices were scrubbed from Apple’s online store. This is standard operating procedure. Apple historically axes the previous year’s "Pro" models to prevent them from cannibalising sales of the new, higher-priced flagships. If you were hoping to buy a brand-new 17 Pro directly from Apple, that window has officially closed.The Wearables GraveyardThe purge did not stop at smartphones. With the arrival of the Apple Watch Series 12 and the updated Ultra 4, Apple quietly discontinued the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation).The Series 10 had a solid run, but Apple’s strategy relies on a clear hierarchy: the newest Series model, the premium Ultra, and a fresh, entry-level SE. Keeping the Series 10 around would have muddied the waters. Similarly, the 2nd-generation SE, which relied on the older S8 chip, has been fully retired to make way for the next iteration of Apple’s budget wearable.The Twist: Why the Base iPhone 17 SurvivedHere is where this year gets interesting. Normally, the standard base model of the previous generation also gets the boot. But the iPhone 17 (and iPhone 17e) is still sitting right there on the Apple Store homepage.More articles by AuthorTrending StoriesThe reason comes down to Apple’s unprecedented split-launch strategy. Official roadmaps confirm that the standard iPhone 18 has been delayed until spring 2027. Apple simply cannot afford to leave its entry-level flagship slot empty for six months. So, the iPhone 17 gets a reprieve, serving as the primary, current-generation base model for budget-conscious buyers until the next wave arrives.What This Means for BuyersIf you have your heart set on an iPhone 17 Pro or an Apple Watch Series 10, do not panic. "Discontinued" only means Apple stopped manufacturing and selling them directly. Third-party retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, and local offline stores will still have leftover inventory. In fact, this is usually the best time to hunt for a bargain, as these retailers aggressively discount remaining stock to clear their warehouses.Furthermore, the refurbished market will soon see an influx of these devices as early upgraders trade them in. Prices for certified pre-owned units will likely dip over the next quarter, making this an excellent window for value hunters.Discontinued Does Not Mean DeadA common misconception is that once Apple removes a device from its store, it becomes obsolete. That is entirely false. Apple routinely supports discontinued hardware with major software updates for five to seven years after their initial release. The iPhone 17 Pro and Apple Watch Series 10 will easily receive OS updates well into the early 30s. Hardware repairs, battery replacements, and Genius Bar support will also continue for years to come.The Complete Apple Discontinuation Timeline (Late 2026)Device ModelOriginal LaunchDiscontinuation DateLifespanReplacement ModelCurrent StatusiPhone 17 ProSept 2025Sept 202612 monthsiPhone 18 ProDiscontinuediPhone 17 Pro MaxSept 2025Sept 202612 monthsiPhone 18 Pro MaxDiscontinuedApple Watch Series 10Sept 2024Sept 202624 monthsApple Watch Series 12DiscontinuedApple Watch SE (2nd Gen)Sept 2022Sept 202648 monthsApple Watch SE (3rd Gen)DiscontinuediPad (10th Generation)Oct 2022Sept 202647 monthsiPad (11th Gen) / iPad AirDiscontinuediPhone 17Sept 2025ActiveN/AN/AActive - On SaleiPhone 18 Pro / MaxSept 2026ActiveN/AN/AActive - On SaleApple Watch Series 12Sept 2026ActiveN/AN/AActive - On SaleRead Also FAQsWhich devices were discontinued during the September 2026 Apple event?Apple officially discontinued the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 10, 2nd-generation Apple Watch SE, and the 10th-generation iPad during the September 2026 'Surprise and Shine' event.Will discontinued Apple devices continue to receive software updates?Yes, discontinued Apple devices like the iPhone 17 Pro and Apple Watch Series 10 will continue to receive software updates and official Apple repairs for years after their discontinuation.Why is the iPhone 17 still available for sale after the launch of the iPhone 18?The iPhone 17 remains available because the iPhone 18 base model has been delayed until spring 2027, and Apple needed to keep an entry-level flagship option available for budget-conscious buyers.What should I do if I want to buy a discontinued Apple device?If you're looking to buy a discontinued device like the iPhone 17 Pro or Apple Watch Series 10, check third-party retailers such as Amazon and Flipkart, where you can find leftover stock often at discounted prices.How long can I expect support for discontinued Apple devices?Apple typically supports discontinued hardware with software updates for five to seven years after their initial release, ensuring continued support for devices like the iPhone 17 Pro and Apple Watch Series 10 well into the early 2030s.What devices were discontinued during the September 2026 Apple event?During the September 2026 "Surprise and Shine" event, Apple officially discontinued the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 10, 2nd-generation Apple Watch SE, and the 10th-generation iPad.Will discontinued Apple devices still receive software updates?Yes, Apple routinely supports discontinued hardware with major software updates for five to seven years after their initial release, ensuring that discontinued devices like the iPhone 17 Pro and Apple Watch Series 10 will still receive updates.Where can I purchase the discontinued Apple devices at discounted prices?You can find discontinued Apple devices through third-party retailers like Amazon and Flipkart, as well as local offline stores. These retailers often discount leftover inventory to clear their warehouses, making it a good time for value hunters.What devices were discontinued at the September 2026 Apple event?At the September 2026 'Surprise and Shine' event, Apple discontinued the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 10, 2nd-generation Apple Watch SE, and the 10th-generation iPad.Will Apple continue to support discontinued devices with software updates?Yes, Apple supports discontinued devices with major software updates for five to seven years after their initial release, and also provides hardware repairs and battery replacements.Why is the standard iPhone 17 still available for purchase?The iPhone 17 remains available as the standard base model because the iPhone 18's release has been delayed until spring 2027, thus Apple needed to keep an entry-level flagship option for buyers.READ NEXT ARTICLE