[Latest 2025 Edition] When is the best time to buy a discontinued iPad or iPhone? A thorough explanation of recommended timings and precautions when purchasing

It is customary for Apple products, especially iPads and iPhones, to have new models announced every autumn.
However, not all lineups are updated annually. Sometimes, there are cases where "no new model was released that year."

For example, with the iPad series, some models like the Air and mini may remain unchanged for a year, with a major update following the next year.

So, is it really a good deal to buy a "previous generation model" or a model from "the year after no new model was released"?

In fact, previous generation models offer a good balance of price and performance, making them an opportune choice at certain times. However, if you don't pay attention to the post-purchase support period and future usability, you might end up regretting your purchase.

This article comprehensively explains the following for those who want to smartly purchase Apple products👇

• When previous generation models are an attractive option
  
  

• Purchase strategies for the year after no new lineup was released
  
  

• Pros and cons of buying previous generation models
  
  

• Recommended purchase periods and timings
  
  

• How to utilize refurbished products and the used market
  
  

• Precautions and risks when buying discontinued models
  

1. What are Previous Generation Models? — Definition and General Price Drop Trends

First, let's clarify the term "previous generation model."

• Previous Generation Model: A previous generation product that has become an older model due to the release of a newer model.
  
  

• Discontinued Model: A model for which new sales have ended on the official Apple website and at electronics retailers due to the release of a new model.
  
  

Apple products typically release new models once a year (in the autumn). Therefore, immediately after the announcement and release of a new model, the previous generation model usually becomes "outdated" all at once.

At this time, prices often drop significantly, and with Apple's official refurbished products and retailers' clearance sales, a genuine opportunity for discounts arises once a year.

Examples of Price Drops for Previous Generation Models (for iPad)

As seen, although previous generation models are "not the latest," their performance is often perfectly adequate for practical use, making them characterized by an excellent balance of price and performance.

2. The Year After No New Lineup is a "Prime Opportunity to Buy Previous Generation Models"

If Apple doesn't release a new model in a given year, the previous generation models become a particularly attractive option the following year. This is because the release of a new model triggers price reductions and clearance sales for older models, making abundant stock more readily available in the refurbished and used markets.

Prices Drop

When new models are released, new prices for older models often decrease, or they are sold at a reduced price as refurbished products in the official store. The iPad series, in particular, has a wide variety of storage capacities and Wi-Fi/cellular model combinations, which increases the chances of finding a model that meets your desired specifications at a lower price.

More Choices

The period when new and old models are sold concurrently is when the lineup is most comprehensive. This is the only time you can compare "latest" versus "one generation older" based on your budget and usage. Especially for Air and mini series, the previous generation often offers sufficient performance, making it an ideal choice for value-conscious buyers.

3. Advantages of Buying Previous Generation Models

① Significant Price Reductions

Previous generation models tend to drop in price immediately after new models are released. Furthermore, retailers often offer point rewards and clearance sales, which can sometimes allow you to buy them for even less than the official price.

② Performance is Still Up-to-Date

Apple products have a long design life, and even models from one generation ago can be used comfortably for several years. For example, the M1-chip-equipped iPad Air (5th generation) still has sufficient processing power in 2025 and is widely used for browsing, video editing, learning, and more.

③ Refurbished Products Are Easy to Find

Apple's official refurbished products come with a 1-year warranty identical to new products and are available at up to a 15% discount. As refurbished stock tends to increase around the time previous generation models are released, your chances of purchasing a refurbished product increase.

4. Disadvantages and Precautions When Buying Previous Generation Models

On the other hand, previous generation models also have disadvantages. The following points, in particular, need to be carefully checked before purchasing.

① Cannot Use the Latest Technology and Features

Newer models may feature advancements in chip performance, camera functions, and accessory compatibility.
For example, the iPad Pro has seen significant performance improvements from M1 to M2 to M4 across generations, and for some uses, even a single generation difference can be substantial.
Those who "want to use it for a long time" or "perform demanding tasks like video editing" need to carefully assess the performance difference.

② Shorter OS Update and Support Period

Apple typically ends support for iOS/iPadOS approximately 5-6 years after a product's release.
Buying a previous generation model means that a portion of its support period has already been consumed. For example, if you buy a model released two years ago, you'll have about 3-4 years of support remaining. If you plan for long-term use, be sure to check the remaining support period.

③ Limited Warranty and Repair Support for Discontinued Models

For models that Apple has officially discontinued, parts supply and repair support are gradually reduced. Apple categorizes products as "vintage" and "obsolete," and repair services may cease entirely 5-7 years after release.

5. "Recommended Purchase Time" for Previous Generation Models

① Immediately After New Model Announcement (September-October)

New models are typically announced around September each year, so immediately afterward, older models tend to drop in price, and sales at electronics retailers and carrier stores become more active. This is the best time if you're looking for new or unused products.

② When Refurbished Products Become Available (Several Weeks to Months After Announcement)

Apple's official refurbished store tends to release a large number of refurbished older models several weeks to months after a new model is introduced. Since you can purchase with a warranty, it's ideal for those who want "new-like quality at a reduced price".

③ When the Used Market is Abundant (Year-End to Fiscal Year-End)

As many users upgrade to new models, a large quantity of older models floods the used market from the year-end sales season to the fiscal year-end. Prices on used product shops and flea market apps tend to temporarily drop, making this period an opportune time to find good condition used items.

6. Disadvantages and Risks of Buying Discontinued Models

① Shorter Warranty and Support Period

Discontinued models do have a new product warranty period at the time of purchase, but the deadline for AppleCare+ enrollment is often approaching, meaning the support period may be shorter than for the latest models.

② Risk of Irreparability Due to End of Parts Supply

After 5-7 years from release, Apple may cease providing repair parts for that model. Once a product becomes "obsolete," repair services may become difficult, whether official or unofficial.

③ Rapid Decline in Trade-in Value

Discontinued models can quickly lose popularity in the used market. Especially models nearing the end of OS support experience a sharp drop in trade-in value, making them unsuitable for those who want to adopt a strategy of "selling and upgrading in a few years."

7. Checklist for Smartly Buying Previous Generation Models

Before purchasing, it's good to check the following points👇

• □ Clarify your purpose of use (video editing / study / internet browsing, etc.)
  
  

• □ Check the remaining OS support years
  
  

• □ Compare the price difference and performance difference with the latest model
  
  

• □ Check Apple certified refurbished products and official sales
  
  

• □ Confirm eligibility for warranty and AppleCare+ enrollment
  
  

• □ For used items, also check battery condition and exterior condition
  

8. Summary — If Your Purpose is Clear, "Buying Previous Generation Models" is a Very Smart Choice

Buying a previous generation model is not about "buying because it's cheap," but about choosing to "buy a product with performance suited to your needs at the most opportune time."
While the latest models naturally offer higher performance, not everyone needs the newest features. For light tasks, studying, or work, models from one or two generations ago can still perform perfectly well.

Purchasing a previous generation model is especially recommended for those who fit the following descriptions👇

• ✅ Want to stick to new products but want to save money
  
  

• ✅ Do not anticipate performing high-load tasks
  
  

• ✅ Want to effectively utilize refurbished products and sales
  
  

• ✅ Intend to use it for a short to medium term after understanding the OS support period
  
  

Conversely, if you're looking for long-term use or high performance, choosing the latest model often leads to greater satisfaction in the long run.