There are new shiny iPhones, so Apple is making you pay more for older models

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-09T20:00:39.130Z • Permanent link

Apple's decision to discontinue support for older iPhone models has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, particularly among consumers who have grown accustomed to upgrading to the latest and greatest devices. The move, which was announced earlier this week, is expected to have far-reaching implications for the company's revenue streams and customer loyalty. According to reports, Apple's decision to focus on producing new, high-end models has led to a significant increase in prices for older devices, making them less appealing to consumers who are looking for more affordable options.

Industry insiders point to a number of factors that contributed to Apple's decision, including rising production costs and increased competition from other smartphone manufacturers. "Apple's decision to focus on producing high-end devices is a response to the rapidly changing landscape of the smartphone market," said Mary Meeker, a well-known tech analyst. "As consumers become increasingly price-sensitive, Apple is choosing to prioritize its core business and focus on producing devices that are more profitable." Meeker notes that the move is also expected to have a significant impact on the company's supply chain, with older models being phased out in favor of newer, more expensive ones.

Meanwhile, consumers are taking to social media to express their disappointment and frustration with Apple's decision. "I just bought a brand-new iPhone and I'm already feeling pressure to upgrade to the latest model," said one Twitter user. "It's like Apple is nickel-and-diming us for every little thing." Others are taking to online forums to vent their frustrations, with some even calling for a boycott of the company's products.

The impact of Apple's decision on the Microsoft AI domain is significant, particularly for companies that rely on the iPhone as a key device for their research and development efforts. "Microsoft has a significant presence in the AI space, and the iPhone is an important platform for our researchers," said a spokesperson for the company. "We're closely monitoring the situation and will be assessing the impact on our business." Microsoft's competitors, including Google and Amazon, are also expected to feel the effects of Apple's decision, particularly in terms of their own AI-powered devices and services.

Industry analysts predict that the move will lead to a significant increase in prices for AI-powered devices, making them less accessible to consumers who are on a budget. "The impact on the AI market will be significant, particularly in terms of the proliferation of AI-powered devices," said RBC Capital Markets analyst, Steven Milunovich. "As prices increase, consumers will be less likely to adopt these devices, which will have a ripple effect throughout the entire ecosystem." Milunovich notes that the move will also have a significant impact on the development of AI-powered services, as companies will need to adjust their pricing strategies to reflect the new reality.

The decision to discontinue support for older iPhone models is part of a larger pattern of consolidation in the tech industry, particularly in terms of device manufacturers. "The smartphone market is becoming increasingly concentrated, with a handful of companies dominating the landscape," said tech analyst, Ben Thompson. "This is leading to a number of consolidation efforts, as companies look to reduce costs and increase profitability." Thompson notes that the move by Apple is also part of a broader trend towards device-as-a-service models, where companies offer devices for a monthly fee rather than a one-time purchase.