Apple Drops iPhone 16 Pro Max, Slashes iPhone 16 Prices

Apple has discontinued the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro following today’s launch of the iPhone 17 series, while cutting prices on remaining iPhone 16 models worldwide. The move redeploys resources toward the new lineup and offers buyers immediate discounts on last year’s devices.

Apple retired its Pro-tier iPhone 16 models just one day after unveiling the iPhone 17 “Awe Dropping” event in Cupertino, citing overlap with the new Pro Max feature set and to streamline its product catalog. The decision underscores Apple’s strategy to phase out older hardware rapidly and push consumers toward its latest releases.

Key Details

  • Discontinued Models: iPhone 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
  • Price Cuts: iPhone 16 now starts at $699 (128 GB), down from $799; iPhone 16 Plus 128 GB at $799, 256 GB at $899
  • New Lineup: Four iPhone 17 models launched, including iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the ultra-slim iPhone Air

Streamlined Catalog Apple’s removal of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max simplifies its range to base and Plus variants alongside the fresh iPhone 17 series. The base iPhone 16 remains available in a single 128 GB configuration at a reduced $699, marking a $100 price reduction. Likewise, the iPhone 16 Plus in 128 GB now retails for $799, with the 256 GB tier priced at $899.

Aggressive Discounting Major retailers and carriers have matched Apple’s price cuts, offering deals on existing stock of iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. In India, e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart list the iPhone 16 Pro Max at up to 10 percent off its previous ₹1,44,900 tag, bringing effective prices below ₹1 lakh for select configurations.

Market Impact By discontinuing prior-generation Pro models, Apple aims to redirect consumer demand toward the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, which introduces enhanced camera zoom, 120 Hz ProMotion displays across all models, and a redesigned titanium chassis on the Pro models. Analysts suggest the swift phase-out of older Pro devices will minimize inventory overhang and drive adoption of the new flagship series.

Consumer Takeaway Buyers seeking premium features at lower cost can opt for discounted iPhone 16 and 16 Plus units, while early adopters targeting Apple’s latest advancements should consider preordering the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, available beginning Friday, September 12.