Apple has phased out two of its products in 2026: the iPhone 16e and the first-generation AirTag. Both were replaced by updated versions, though the changes between old and new vary in significance.
According to Engadget, the iPhone 16e was introduced in February 2025 as a replacement for the long-running iPhone SE line, positioning itself as Apple's lowest-cost iPhone. Unlike the SE models, which stayed on sale for multiple years, the 16e was replaced within a year. The iPhone 17e arrived in March 2026, and Apple dropped the 16e from its lineup at the same time.
The two phones share a base price of $599, but the 17e doubles the storage from 128GB to 256GB. It also adds proper MagSafe charging, which the 16e does not support. For anyone already using an iPhone 16e, the device is not being abandoned by Apple's software team. With iOS 27, Apple continues to support models going back to the iPhone 11 from 2019, so the 16e will receive updates for years to come.
The first-generation AirTag, released in 2021, was phased out in January 2026 when Apple introduced a second-generation model. The new AirTag is identifiable by all-caps text printed on the back. The hardware update brings a new U2 chip that extends the maximum tracking range from 100 feet to 200 feet. The second-gen AirTag can also be tracked by compatible Apple Watch models and has a louder speaker, which makes it easier to locate in a noisy environment or inside luggage.
Beyond those changes, the two generations are nearly identical. They are the same size and use the same 2032 battery. First-generation AirTags remain a reasonable option at a discount. Apple's refurbished store and third-party retailers still carry older models after they leave Apple's main storefront.
IFA 2026, the large European consumer technology show underway in Berlin, has also brought a wave of new product announcements this week. More than 1,900 brands are exhibiting at Messe Berlin through Tuesday, with Samsung, LG, Lenovo, and Acer among the major names present. Dyson announced 10 new products at a separate event, ranging from floor care and air purifiers to a toothbrush, marking the company's first entry into health and beauty tech hardware.
