Apple Discontinued MacBook Air M3 and iPhone SE: What It Means for Users

MacBook Air M3 discontinued Apple in 2025 has become one of the biggest talking points among tech enthusiasts. I have been following Apple’s product strategy for years and this year has been particularly eventful.

The company has pulled the plug on over 25 devices including the popular MacBook Air M3 and the budget friendly iPhone SE. This move marks a significant shift in how Apple handles its product lineup. Has Apple discontinued the MacBook Air is a question many users are asking today.

The answer is yes but only specific models with the M3 chip. Let me break down everything you need to know about these discontinuations and what they mean for your next purchase.

Apple has officially discontinued both the 13 inch and 15 inch MacBook Air models powered by the M3 chip in March 2025. The reason behind this decision is simple. The tech giant has introduced the new M4 MacBook Air which offers around 20 to 30 percent faster performance compared to its predecessor.

I have seen Apple follow this pattern before where they discontinue older models to make way for newer technology.

The M4 MacBook Air now starts at $999 for the 13 inch model and $1199 for the 15 inch variant which is actually $100 cheaper than the previous M3 models. This is a win for consumers who are looking for better performance at a lower price point.

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Key Takeaways

• MacBook Air M3 discontinued Apple in March 2025 after the launch of M4 models
• iPhone SE completely discontinued in February 2025 replaced by iPhone 16e
• M4 MacBook Air offers 20-30% better performance with $100 price reduction
• iPhone SE discounted price now available only through refurbished market starting from $94
• Apple discontinued over 25 devices in 2025 as part of hardware modernization
• Refurbished M3 MacBook Air units still available at third party retailers
• The discontinuation marks the end of Home Button Touch ID and LCD displays in iPhones

Understanding the MacBook Air M3 Discontinuation

The MacBook Air M3 discontinued Apple decision came as no surprise to those who understand the company’s product cycle.

I remember when Apple launched the M3 MacBook Air in March 2024 and it was barely a year before they replaced it with the M4 version. The new M4 chip brings significant improvements including better AI support through Apple Intelligence features.

The 12MP Center Stage camera is a welcome addition along with the new Sky Blue color option which looks absolutely stunning in person.

What makes this transition interesting is that Apple also discontinued the M2 MacBook Air at the same time. This means the company has completely moved away from older silicon in their MacBook Air lineup.

From my experience covering tech launches I can tell you that this is part of Apple’s aggressive push toward modern chipsets. The M4 MacBook Air delivers up to 23 times faster performance than equivalent Intel based models which is mind blowing when you think about it.

Where to Find Discounted MacBook Air M3 Models

If you are still interested in buying a MacBook Air M3 there are options available. Refurbished units may still appear on Apple’s official refurbished store or from third party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

I always recommend checking these sources because stock is limited and prices vary significantly. The advantage of buying refurbished from Apple is that you get a 15 percent discount and the machines are thoroughly cleaned and tested with any faulty components replaced with genuine parts.

Third party retailers will continue selling through their M3 MacBook Air inventory but they cannot replenish the stock once it runs out. My advice is to act quickly if you find a good deal because these units are disappearing fast. However keep in mind that the lower starting price for the M4 MacBook Air means older models need to be even cheaper to be a good value proposition.

The End of iPhone SE Era

Has Apple discontinued the MacBook Air is not the only question users are asking. The iPhone SE discontinuation is equally significant. Apple completely discontinued the third generation iPhone SE in February 2025 following the debut of the iPhone 16e.

This decision effectively ended the SE series marking the final availability of iPhones with Home buttons Touch ID sensors LCD screens displays under six inches and Lightning ports.

The iPhone SE was Apple’s most affordable iPhone starting at $429 for the base 64GB model. Now with the iPhone 16e priced at $599 the bar for what constitutes an affordable iPhone has been raised by $170.

From my perspective this is a substantial price jump especially for budget conscious consumers. The iPhone 16e does bring significant upgrades including a 6.1 inch OLED display Face ID a 48 megapixel rear camera and the A18 chip that supports Apple Intelligence.

iPhone SE Discounted Price in 2025

If you are looking for iPhone SE discounted price options the refurbished and used market is your best bet. I have seen prices start around $94 to $142 for 64GB models in good condition on platforms like Swappa Back Market and Amazon Renewed.

These deals often go lower during sales with some retailers offering the device in the $75 to $150 range. Best Buy and carriers sometimes offer even better deals with trade ins.

Model	Original Price	Current Refurbished Price	Storage
iPhone SE 3rd Gen	$429	$94 – $142	64GB
iPhone SE 3rd Gen	$479	$120 – $180	128GB
iPhone SE 3rd Gen	$579	$150 – $220	256GB

My personal opinion is that the iPhone SE at these discounted prices represents great value for anyone who wants basic iPhone functionality without breaking the bank. However you should be aware that it is outdated compared to newer models and will not receive the latest iOS updates indefinitely.

The device can still run iOS 26 as of September 2025 but future updates beyond that are uncertain.

What This Means for Apple Users

The MacBook Air M3 discontinued Apple decision along with the iPhone SE discontinuation signals a clear direction for the company. Apple is slowly transitioning to more advanced and efficient hardware while retiring old technology.

I have observed this trend accelerating in 2025 with over 25 products being discontinued including the iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 15 series iPhone 14 lineup iPad Pro with M4 chip and various Apple Watch models.

For existing users of discontinued devices there is no immediate cause for concern. Your MacBook Air M3 or iPhone SE will continue to work perfectly fine and receive software updates for several years. Apple typically supports devices for five to seven years from their launch date.

What the discontinuation does mean is that these devices will no longer be available new from Apple stores. Your only options will be refurbished units or remaining inventory at third party retailers.

Should You Buy Discontinued Models

From my years of experience in the tech industry I can confidently say that buying a discontinued model can be a smart move if the price is right. The MacBook Air M3 is still a fantastic machine capable of handling everyday tasks with ease.

If you can find it at a significant discount compared to the M4 model it might be worth considering. The same logic applies to the iPhone SE if you find it at heavily discounted prices in the refurbished market.

However you need to weigh this against the benefits of newer models. The M4 MacBook Air is not only faster but also cheaper than the M3 was at launch. This makes the value proposition of buying old stock less appealing unless the discount is substantial.

For the iPhone SE the $170 price difference compared to the iPhone 16e is significant but you are getting a much older design and technology. My recommendation is to carefully consider your needs and budget before making a decision.

The Bigger Picture of Apple’s Strategy

Apple’s decision to discontinue so many products in 2025 reflects a broader strategy of streamlining its product range and promoting the latest technology.

I have noticed that the company is becoming more aggressive with its product cycles especially in the Mac lineup where they are rapidly transitioning from M2 to M3 to M4 chips. This benefits consumers who get better performance at lower prices but it can be frustrating for those who just bought the previous generation.

The discontinuation of the iPhone SE is particularly noteworthy because it marks the end of several legacy features that some users still prefer. The Home Button and Touch ID have their loyal fans and the compact form factor of the SE was appreciated by many.

With these features now gone Apple is essentially forcing users to adapt to Face ID and larger screen sizes. Whether this is a good thing or not depends on your personal preferences.

Final Thoughts on Discontinued Apple Products

The MacBook Air M3 discontinued Apple and iPhone SE discontinuation are significant milestones in the company’s history. As someone who has been tracking Apple’s product evolution for years I can see the logic behind these decisions.

The company wants to offer the best possible hardware with the latest features and sometimes that means leaving older technology behind. The iPhone SE discounted price options in the refurbished market make it accessible for budget buyers while the M4 MacBook Air offers better value than its predecessor.

If you are in the market for a new Apple device my advice is to focus on the current lineup unless you find an exceptional deal on discontinued models. The M4 MacBook Air and iPhone 16e represent the future of Apple’s product strategy and investing in them ensures you get the longest possible support and the latest features.

However for those who are budget conscious or do not need cutting edge performance the discontinued models available at discounted prices can still serve you well for years to come.

Tags: apple discontinued products 2025, macbook air m3 discontinued, iphone se discontinued, m4 macbook air, apple product lineup, refurbished apple devices, budget iphones

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