5 Gadgets Buh-Bye: Apple’s 2023 Culling of iPhone 13 mini, iPhone SE and MacBook Pro
As we near the conclusion of 2023, it is an opportune time for enthusiasts of Apple to contemplate the significant transformations in the company’s offerings. Apple has chosen to discontinue certain devices and accessories, ceasing their production. Now, let us delve into the details of the five products that Apple has terminated this year, indicating a move towards fresh advancements and a commitment to environmental consciousness.
1. iPhone 13 Mini
In September, Apple said goodbye to the iPhone 13 mini, ending the era of compact iPhones. Despite its popularity among fans of smaller smartphones, market research showed lower sales compared to other iPhone models. The iPhone 12 mini is currently available refurbished, while the latest compact iPhone is the iPhone SE with a 4.7-inch screen. Rumors suggest that the next iPhone SE will have a larger 6.1-inch screen, but when that release will happen is still unknown via MacRumors.
2. 13-inch MacBook Pro
The 13-inch MacBook Pro, with its seven-year-old design and Touch Bar, saw its last days last week. Apple introduced a new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro, equipped with a standard M3 chip and a selection of upgrades such as a 120Hz ProMotion display, a 1080p camera and additional ports. Starting at $1,599, it bids farewell to its predecessor, the 13-inch model, which started at $1,299.
3. The MagSafe battery is charging
The MagSafe Battery Pack, released in 2021, was discontinued in September with the release of the iPhone 15 series. Priced at $99, this magnetic accessory offered more battery life for the iPhone 12 and newer models. However, on all iPhone 15 models that now have USB-C ports, the Lightning charging port on the battery made it obsolete.
4. MagSafe Duo charger
The MagSafe Duo Charger, introduced in 2020 as a $129 folding charging mat that can hold both iPhones and Apple Watches, was also on the chopping block in September. The fate of the MagSafe Battery Pack is shared by its Lightning charging port, which became a relic of the past in a world with USB-C connectivity.
5. Leather accessories
Moving towards greater environmental responsibility, Apple stopped selling leather accessories in September. This included leather versions of iPhone cases, MagSafe Wallets, Apple Watch bands and more. The company introduced a new FineWoven fabric material for accessories, highlighting a “significantly smaller” carbon footprint compared to leather. Despite the eco-friendly approach, some customers have expressed concern about the susceptibility of the new iPhone cases to scratches and stains.
As Apple says goodbye to these products, it opens the door to new possibilities and promises a future of cutting-edge technology and sustainable choices.
