Apple has scrubbed two of its older mannequin iPhones within the wake of Monday’s launch of the new iPhone 16 lineup. Not up on the market are the iPhone 13 and the two Pro models of the iPhone 15. This leaves the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 15, 15 Plus, iPhone SE, and naturally, the brand new iPhone 16 fashions as your solely choices do you have to wish to buy directly from Apple.
Additionally: iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16: Should you upgrade to Apple’s latest model?
The retirement of the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max comes as no nice shock. When Apple launched the iPhone 15 collection final 12 months, it additionally jettisoned the Professional fashions of the iPhone 14. Retiring solely the Professional flavors of the earlier 12 months’s telephone is an try by Apple to push consumers who need a Professional model to seize the newest mannequin. That is as true this 12 months because it was final 12 months.
However, the exit of the iPhone 13 marks a big milestone for Apple’s telephone lineup. The iPhone 13 was the final mannequin to incorporate a bodily SIM. The iPhone 14 and its predecessors are eSIM-only phones. For me, that is completely fantastic. I am not an enormous fan of bodily SIMs.
Having to pop open the tray after which juggle that tiny card is one thing I can do with out. Plus, switching amongst eSIMs when touring to a different nation is a pleasure in comparison with swapping completely different bodily SIMs. However I am certain many iPhone customers desire the old-style SIMs, particularly since not all nations or carriers but help eSIMs.
Additionally: eSIM vs. SIM: What’s the difference?
The iPhone 13 was additionally the final mannequin to return in a mini model. Designed as a substitute for huge telephones, the iPhone 13 mini sported a svelte 5.4-inch display, perfect for individuals who desire their iPhones in a small measurement, and with a lower cost tag. Now, Apple’s solely small-screened possibility is the iPhone SE, with its 4.7-inch show.
The exit of the iPhone 13, iPhone 15 Professional, and Professional Max places potential consumers in a quandary. What do you have to purchase should you want a brand new iPhone and in addition need it instantly from Apple?
In the event you crave a smaller telephone and finances value, the iPhone SE continues to be a viable alternative. Nonetheless, with the present third-generation mannequin launched in 2022, Apple might unveil the fourth-generation model subsequent 12 months. So chances are you’ll wish to wait to see if that product materializes.
In case your finances is larger and you do not thoughts an older mannequin with out the Professional options — the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus or iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus can be strong decisions. However take note the lure of the newest options. Apple Intelligence, for instance, will likely be accessible solely all through the iPhone 16 lineup, iPhone 15 Professional, and iPhone 15 Professional Max. If you need the brand new AI-powered methods, particularly the enhancements headed for Siri, then one of many 4 iPhone 16 fashions is your solely alternative.
Additionally: The 5 best iPhone 16 Pro features that enthusiasts will care about
Usually, I’ve at all times gravitated towards the Professional fashions for his or her higher shows, beefier cameras, and quicker CPUs. But this 12 months, the variations between the common iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Professional/Professional Max are much less important than in earlier years. The Professional and Professional Max boast bigger display sizes and barely higher digital camera options, however that is about it. So in order for you the newest mannequin however do not wish to overspend, an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus can be the way in which go to.
After all, though Apple has discontinued the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Professional fashions, they’re all nonetheless available elsewhere. You may simply discover them by means of third-party retailers equivalent to Amazon, eBay, Gazelle, and different websites that promote used telephones.
A number of months in the past, I purchased a used iPhone 13 by means of Amazon, which I exploit for testing and which has carried out with no hitch. Contemplate all of your choices earlier than you plunk down your hard-earned money to your subsequent iPhone.