No, Apple didn’t stop with iPhone 15; it launched iPhone 16 in 2024 and the iPhone 17 family in 2025, while retiring the 15 and 15 Plus.
Heard the buzz that Apple might halt the line at the 15 series? That rumor misses the mark. Apple rolled out new models in 2024 and again in 2025, tightening the lineup in the process. Below, you’ll see the release timeline, what got dropped, what stayed on sale, and how long you can expect updates.
Is Apple Ending With The iPhone 15? What The Timeline Shows
Short answer: no. The 2024 event brought the 16 and 16 Plus, followed by 16 Pro models. Early 2025 added a budget-friendly 16e. In September 2025, Apple unveiled a fresh wave—iPhone 17, iPhone Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. At that point, Apple cleared older shelves by removing several 2023–2024 phones from the online store. You can still find many of those through resellers, but Apple’s storefront moved on.
iPhone Releases Since 2023
Here’s a quick snapshot to ground the discussion before we dig into purchase tips and support timelines.
| Year | Models Announced | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max | USB-C across the range; Pro models shifted materials; baseline for today’s app and camera experience. |
| 2024 | 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max | Reworked thermals and larger batteries on non-Pro; new camera controls; A18/A18 Pro chips; iOS 18 era concludes. |
| Feb 2025 | 16e | Lower price point, A18, long battery life; Apple’s in-house modem debut; bridges the gap for budget-minded buyers. |
| Sept 2025 | 17, iPhone Air, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max | A19/A19 Pro chips, camera updates, iOS 26 launch window; Air replaces the Plus-style slot with a thinner build. |
What Actually Happened To The 15 Series?
When the 2025 phones arrived, Apple removed the 15 and 15 Plus from its online store. That’s routine: after each fall launch, Apple narrows the catalog so buyers aren’t stuck comparing a dozen near-twins. Third-party retailers still move remaining stock, and many owners keep those phones for years thanks to ongoing software updates.
Proof From Apple’s Own Announcements
Apple’s press releases make the cadence plain. In September 2024, the company introduced the 16 and 16 Plus, with a separate release for 16 Pro models the same day. One year later, it debuted the 17 family—standard, Air, Pro, and Pro Max. If you want the official wording, read Apple’s pages for the iPhone 16 launch and the iPhone 17 debut. These confirm that Apple kept right on shipping new iPhones after the 15 generation. Apple’s retail page now centers on the 17 lineup, with 16-family carryovers in select regions.
Which Models Apple Still Sells New Right Now
Apple’s own store spotlights current-year phones and a tight set of prior-year options. The exact mix can vary by country. As of late September–October 2025, the main catalog features the 17 family, with 16/16 Plus and 16e still available in many markets. You’ll find the buy pages for the 16 series live on Apple’s site, showing trade-in promos and delivery windows.
Lineup Cleanup: What Went Away After The 2025 Event
With the new wave out, Apple pulled the 15 and 15 Plus from its store, and it also removed the 16 Pro pair. That mirrors Apple’s annual pattern: retire the prior Pro phones and the base models from two cycles ago. The change doesn’t erase those devices—resellers and carriers continue to offer them while stock lasts.
Model Status After September 2025
Here’s a compact view of what’s on Apple’s shelves now and what got pulled. This reflects Apple’s announcements and retail pages shortly after launch.
| Model | Status | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 17 / Air / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max | Current lineup | Front-page models on Apple’s store with full color and storage options. |
| 16 / 16 Plus | Still sold new | Remain available directly from Apple in many regions with lower price tiers. |
| 16e | Budget slot | A 2025 entry model for buyers who want long battery life and a modern design at a lower cost. |
| 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max | Removed from Apple store | No longer listed by Apple; carrier and reseller inventory may persist for a while. |
| 15 / 15 Plus | Removed from Apple store | Discontinued at Apple’s storefront post-launch; support and updates continue for years. |
Why Apple Trims Older Phones Each Fall
Choice is good, but too much choice slows buying. Apple keeps a small ladder: the newest flagships, an ultra-thin model that replaces Plus, prior-year non-Pro as value picks, and one budget slot. That structure makes it easy to pick a screen size and price without drowning in SKUs.
Does Discontinued Mean Dead?
No. “Discontinued” on Apple’s store doesn’t kill software updates or repairs. The company continues to ship iOS to supported devices and offers service while parts last. Buyers who already own a 15 series phone can stay put and still get years of updates. Retailers may also discount leftover stock, which can be a good deal if you don’t need the newest camera tricks.
What To Buy If You’re Upgrading
Match your pick to how you use your phone day to day. Start with battery, display size, and camera features, then check price.
If You Want The Newest Features
- iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max: Top camera set, A19 Pro silicon, and the best displays. Great for pro-leaning photo and video work, long trips, and gaming.
- iPhone 17: Flagship-level speed, fresh sensors, and the latest software tricks without Pro pricing.
- iPhone Air: The thin option that replaces the Plus-style role. Lighter in hand, still fast, with the modern design language.
If You Want Value And A Familiar Feel
- iPhone 16 / 16 Plus: Lower price than the 17 family, mature accessories, and wide carrier promos. A smart buy if you don’t chase the newest camera extras.
- iPhone 16e: Lower entry cost with long battery life. Perfect for first-time iPhone users, kids, or a reliable backup phone.
How Long Software Support Usually Lasts
Apple typically supports phones for many years with security updates and new iOS versions. That’s why older devices still feel “current” for a long stretch. If you’re coming from a 15 series device, you can expect multiple more iOS releases and app compatibility for a long window.
Common Myths About Apple “Stopping” At A Number
“The 15 Was The Final Chapter”
Apple’s release cycle is steady: new models every fall, followed by a catalog cleanup. The 2024 and 2025 launches show that the line continued without a pause.
“Discontinued Means No More Updates”
Not true. Pulling a model from Apple’s store simply removes it from the buy page. Update eligibility runs on a separate schedule tied to hardware age and chip support.
“You Can’t Buy Older Models Anywhere”
You can still get them at carriers and authorized resellers while stock exists. Prices often drop, which can be great for budget buyers who don’t need the latest camera features.
Real-World Takeaways For Shoppers
- Want the thinnest body and fresh design? Pick iPhone Air.
- Want the strongest camera set and highest ceiling? Pick a 17 Pro model.
- Want a good deal without missing core features? Look at 16 or 16 Plus.
- Buying for kids or as a spare? The 16e keeps costs down while staying modern.
Where The Facts Come From
The 2024 and 2025 launch details are straight from Apple’s own newsroom posts. You can read the official pages for the iPhone 17 announcement and the iPhone 16 introduction. For the store cleanup that pulled the 15 and 15 Plus, see reporting that noted Apple removed both from sale the day the 17 lineup arrived.
Bottom Line On Apple’s iPhone Roadmap
Apple didn’t stop at the 15 series. It kept the annual rhythm, shipped the 16 family in 2024, added 16e in early 2025, and rolled out the 17 series in September 2025. The company then retired 15 and 15 Plus from its store and trimmed the 16 Pro pair, leaving a clear ladder of choices: value-priced 16/16 Plus and 16e, plus the 17 family at the top. If you want the newest camera tools and battery gains, head for the 17 or 17 Pro models. If you want a lower price with loads of headroom, the 16 line still makes sense.