Apple has announced the discontinuation of three iconic models from its smartphone lineup: the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and the third-generation iPhone SE. Unveiled in March 2025, this decision will affect millions of users worldwide and aligns with the company’s strategy to prioritize cutting-edge technologies, such as the A18 chip and integration with Apple Intelligence. These devices, launched in 2022, will cease production and official sales in Apple stores throughout the year, marking the end of an era for designs and features that won over consumers. As the tech giant paves the way for the anticipated iPhone 17 and other innovations, users are left weighing the future of their devices.
This move is hardly surprising. With each new product cycle, Apple revises its portfolio, phasing out older models to steer customers toward updated options. Boasting over 1.2 billion active iPhones globally, the retirement of these devices underscores the swift pace at which the company adapts its offerings to meet demands for performance, security, and sustainability.
The shift also coincides with the debut of the iPhone 16e, introduced this month as an affordable alternative, and the reinforcement of the iPhone 16 lineup, launched in 2024. These newer models bring significant upgrades, including USB-C ports and support for artificial intelligence features, which the discontinued devices cannot fully accommodate.
Why Apple is phasing out these models
The retirement of the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, and SE (3rd generation) fits into Apple’s natural cycle of technological renewal. Launched in 2022, the iPhone 14 and its Plus variant introduced the A15 Bionic chip and advancements in computational photography, but they’ve been outpaced by the iPhone 15 and 16, which feature the A16 and A18 chips, respectively. Meanwhile, the iPhone SE, also powered by the A15, retained a compact design based on the iPhone 8 but lagged behind in features like the Dynamic Island and dual-camera systems found in newer models.
Focusing on modern devices allows Apple to ensure consistent software and security updates. In 2024, roughly 70% of iPhone users were already using models released within the past three years, highlighting the rapid adoption of the brand’s latest offerings. Additionally, discontinuing these models frees up production capacity for upcoming releases, such as the rumored iPhone 17 Air, expected to boast an ultra-thin design and enhanced performance.
European regulations play a role too. Since December 2024, the European Union mandates that new smartphones sold in the region feature USB-C ports, impacting Lightning-equipped models like the iPhone 14 and SE. While Apple has already adapted its core lineup, phasing out these devices globally reflects a strategic standardization.
Immediate impact for current users
Owners of the affected models won’t face drastic changes right away, but the future holds implications. Apple typically provides software support for about five years post-launch, meaning these iPhones should receive full iOS updates until 2026 or 2027. Beyond that, only security patches may be offered, with full support likely ending around 2028.
For now, the devices remain functional for everyday tasks like calls, messaging, and app usage. However, the inability to support future features, such as those expected in iOS 19, could limit the experience for users seeking Apple’s latest innovations.
Apple has officially discontinued the iPhone SE 3, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus pic.twitter.com/pJLJu0QPPF
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) February 19, 2025
Options on the horizon for consumers
Replacing the discontinued models depends on user priorities. The iPhone 15 lineup, including standard and Plus versions, offers 48 MP cameras and improved energy efficiency, while the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max raise the bar with 120 Hz displays and the A18 Pro chip, ideal for those prioritizing top-tier performance.
The used market presents another viable path. In 2024, the iPhone 14 accounted for 15% of global used iPhone sales, suggesting these models will linger in circulation for a while. For those favoring new devices, the iPhone 16e, rolled out in March 2025, blends affordability with the A18 chip, targeting fans of the former SE.
Support timeline: what to expect
The end of production doesn’t mean immediate abandonment. Here’s the projected timeline for the discontinued models:
- 2025: Official sales and production cease in Apple stores.
- 2026-2027: Final full iOS updates, potentially up to iOS 20.
- 2028: Likely end of security updates, concluding the devices’ lifecycle.
This schedule gives users time to plan their next move, though it emphasizes the need to keep software current while support lasts.
Global smartphone market ripple effects
The discontinuation extends beyond consumers. Accessory makers may scale back production of items tailored to the iPhone 14 and SE, such as cases and Lightning adapters, while retailers will need to adjust inventories. In 2023, the iPhone 13’s exit boosted the used market by 20%, and a similar surge is anticipated now, benefiting resale platforms.
Economically, Apple doubles down on premium models, which yield higher profit margins. In the last quarter of 2024, Pro iPhones accounted for 60% of the company’s revenue, cementing a trend toward high-value devices. Small retailers in emerging markets, however, may feel the pinch from fewer budget-friendly options, driving demand for alternatives.
Practical tips to extend your iPhone’s life
Maximizing the utility of these models requires simple steps. Consider these suggestions:
- Keep iOS updated to maintain security and optimal performance.
- Check battery health and replace it at authorized service centers if needed.
- Sell or trade in the device before its market value drops significantly.
- Back up data regularly to safeguard important information.
These actions can prolong the devices’ usefulness while they remain supported.
Apple’s future takes shape
Phasing out these iPhones clears the way for ambitious innovations. Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 lineup, set for September, will introduce the Air model, featuring a lighter, thinner design and advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities, like generative AI tools. The iOS 19 update, slated for a June reveal at WWDC, is expected to emphasize customization and performance, enhancing user experience.
Between 2022 and 2024, over 300 million iPhones were sold worldwide, and Apple aims to sustain this momentum with strides in augmented reality and enhanced 5G connectivity. Replacing older models with more robust options reinforces the brand’s dedication to meeting the demands of a dynamic market.
Ecosystem expansion and emerging tech
Beyond smartphones, Apple is refreshing its broader lineup. The iPad Air with the M3 chip, launched in March, and the MacBook Air with M4 showcase the growing use of in-house processors, which are likely to power future iPhones. These advancements bolster device integration, with features like iPhone Mirroring and an expanded Apple Pay that will soon support PayPal balances.
The retirement of the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, and SE (3rd generation) signals Apple’s accelerated push toward a future blending innovation and sustainability. Holding a 20% share of the global smartphone market in 2024, the company continues to shape trends, leaving users and tech enthusiasts eager for the next breakthroughs defining mobile technology.

Apple has announced the discontinuation of three iconic models from its smartphone lineup: the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and the third-generation iPhone SE. Unveiled in March 2025, this decision will affect millions of users worldwide and aligns with the company’s strategy to prioritize cutting-edge technologies, such as the A18 chip and integration with Apple Intelligence. These devices, launched in 2022, will cease production and official sales in Apple stores throughout the year, marking the end of an era for designs and features that won over consumers. As the tech giant paves the way for the anticipated iPhone 17 and other innovations, users are left weighing the future of their devices.
This move is hardly surprising. With each new product cycle, Apple revises its portfolio, phasing out older models to steer customers toward updated options. Boasting over 1.2 billion active iPhones globally, the retirement of these devices underscores the swift pace at which the company adapts its offerings to meet demands for performance, security, and sustainability.
The shift also coincides with the debut of the iPhone 16e, introduced this month as an affordable alternative, and the reinforcement of the iPhone 16 lineup, launched in 2024. These newer models bring significant upgrades, including USB-C ports and support for artificial intelligence features, which the discontinued devices cannot fully accommodate.
Why Apple is phasing out these models
The retirement of the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, and SE (3rd generation) fits into Apple’s natural cycle of technological renewal. Launched in 2022, the iPhone 14 and its Plus variant introduced the A15 Bionic chip and advancements in computational photography, but they’ve been outpaced by the iPhone 15 and 16, which feature the A16 and A18 chips, respectively. Meanwhile, the iPhone SE, also powered by the A15, retained a compact design based on the iPhone 8 but lagged behind in features like the Dynamic Island and dual-camera systems found in newer models.
Focusing on modern devices allows Apple to ensure consistent software and security updates. In 2024, roughly 70% of iPhone users were already using models released within the past three years, highlighting the rapid adoption of the brand’s latest offerings. Additionally, discontinuing these models frees up production capacity for upcoming releases, such as the rumored iPhone 17 Air, expected to boast an ultra-thin design and enhanced performance.
European regulations play a role too. Since December 2024, the European Union mandates that new smartphones sold in the region feature USB-C ports, impacting Lightning-equipped models like the iPhone 14 and SE. While Apple has already adapted its core lineup, phasing out these devices globally reflects a strategic standardization.
Immediate impact for current users
Owners of the affected models won’t face drastic changes right away, but the future holds implications. Apple typically provides software support for about five years post-launch, meaning these iPhones should receive full iOS updates until 2026 or 2027. Beyond that, only security patches may be offered, with full support likely ending around 2028.
For now, the devices remain functional for everyday tasks like calls, messaging, and app usage. However, the inability to support future features, such as those expected in iOS 19, could limit the experience for users seeking Apple’s latest innovations.
Apple has officially discontinued the iPhone SE 3, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus pic.twitter.com/pJLJu0QPPF
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) February 19, 2025
Options on the horizon for consumers
Replacing the discontinued models depends on user priorities. The iPhone 15 lineup, including standard and Plus versions, offers 48 MP cameras and improved energy efficiency, while the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max raise the bar with 120 Hz displays and the A18 Pro chip, ideal for those prioritizing top-tier performance.
The used market presents another viable path. In 2024, the iPhone 14 accounted for 15% of global used iPhone sales, suggesting these models will linger in circulation for a while. For those favoring new devices, the iPhone 16e, rolled out in March 2025, blends affordability with the A18 chip, targeting fans of the former SE.
Support timeline: what to expect
The end of production doesn’t mean immediate abandonment. Here’s the projected timeline for the discontinued models:
- 2025: Official sales and production cease in Apple stores.
- 2026-2027: Final full iOS updates, potentially up to iOS 20.
- 2028: Likely end of security updates, concluding the devices’ lifecycle.
This schedule gives users time to plan their next move, though it emphasizes the need to keep software current while support lasts.
Global smartphone market ripple effects
The discontinuation extends beyond consumers. Accessory makers may scale back production of items tailored to the iPhone 14 and SE, such as cases and Lightning adapters, while retailers will need to adjust inventories. In 2023, the iPhone 13’s exit boosted the used market by 20%, and a similar surge is anticipated now, benefiting resale platforms.
Economically, Apple doubles down on premium models, which yield higher profit margins. In the last quarter of 2024, Pro iPhones accounted for 60% of the company’s revenue, cementing a trend toward high-value devices. Small retailers in emerging markets, however, may feel the pinch from fewer budget-friendly options, driving demand for alternatives.
Practical tips to extend your iPhone’s life
Maximizing the utility of these models requires simple steps. Consider these suggestions:
- Keep iOS updated to maintain security and optimal performance.
- Check battery health and replace it at authorized service centers if needed.
- Sell or trade in the device before its market value drops significantly.
- Back up data regularly to safeguard important information.
These actions can prolong the devices’ usefulness while they remain supported.
Apple’s future takes shape
Phasing out these iPhones clears the way for ambitious innovations. Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 lineup, set for September, will introduce the Air model, featuring a lighter, thinner design and advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities, like generative AI tools. The iOS 19 update, slated for a June reveal at WWDC, is expected to emphasize customization and performance, enhancing user experience.
Between 2022 and 2024, over 300 million iPhones were sold worldwide, and Apple aims to sustain this momentum with strides in augmented reality and enhanced 5G connectivity. Replacing older models with more robust options reinforces the brand’s dedication to meeting the demands of a dynamic market.
Ecosystem expansion and emerging tech
Beyond smartphones, Apple is refreshing its broader lineup. The iPad Air with the M3 chip, launched in March, and the MacBook Air with M4 showcase the growing use of in-house processors, which are likely to power future iPhones. These advancements bolster device integration, with features like iPhone Mirroring and an expanded Apple Pay that will soon support PayPal balances.
The retirement of the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, and SE (3rd generation) signals Apple’s accelerated push toward a future blending innovation and sustainability. Holding a 20% share of the global smartphone market in 2024, the company continues to shape trends, leaving users and tech enthusiasts eager for the next breakthroughs defining mobile technology.
