2024 has been an amazing year with new phones, Apple Intelligence, Vision Pro, Android XR for VR devices, and many more hitting the market. However, both Apple and Google quietly pulled the plug on several services and devices in the same year. If you are curious about what’s no longer available, here’s everything that Apple and Google killed in 2024—and why they did it.
Everything Apple Killed in 2024
1. Apple Pay Later
Launched in March 2023, Apple Pay Later was supposed to make shopping easier by letting users split payments into four interest-free installments. It seemed like a great idea at first, but Apple discontinued it in June 2024. Instead, Apple decided to team up with third-party financial services like Affirm. The move suggests Apple didn’t want to compete directly in the buy-now-pay-later space.
2. FineWoven iPhone Cases
Apple introduced FineWoven cases in 2023 alongside iPhone 15 as an eco-friendly replacement for leather cases. However, the cases faced criticism due to poor durability. Users reported issues like scratches, fraying edges, and fading colors within weeks of use. In response, Apple quietly dropped FineWoven cases from its lineup in September 2024, with the launch of the iPhone 16 series. The company removed existing FineWoven cases for older devices from its website, though FineWoven versions of the MagSafe Wallet and AirTag Key Ring remained available.
3. The Apple Car (Project Titan)
For nearly a decade, rumors swirled about Apple’s electric self-driving car. The project, called “Project Titan,” started in 2014 but faced delays, leadership changes, and constant speculation. In February 2024, Apple finally admitted defeat and canceled the project. Instead, Apple shifted focus to AI, where it sees more potential growth.
4. The Lightning to USB-C Transition
Apple’s proprietary Lightning port has been around since 2012. But with EU regulations pushing for USB-C as a universal standard, Apple made the switch in 2024. Not just the iPhones, even accessories like AirPods Max, Magic Keyboards, and Magic Trackpads have seen the change to USB C, dropping the Lighting Port. Thanks, EU!
5. Discontinued Devices
Naturally, as the new models arrive, old models will be removed from Apple stores and their website. Here are all the models that got axed this year:
- iPhones: iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 13.
- MacBooks and Macs: M1 MacBook Air, M3 MacBook Pro, M2 Mac mini, and M3 iMac.
- iPads: The 6th-generation iPad mini.
- Audio Devices: AirPods 2nd generation and AirPods Max with Lightning ports.
- Wearables: Apple Watch Series 9.
- Accessories: USB SuperDrive and the Lightning-to-3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter.
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6. Apple TV+ Content Cancellations
Apple didn’t stop with hardware. It also cut several TV+ shows in 2024. These include fan favorites like Schmigadoon (2 seasons), Constellation (1 season), Still Up (1 season), The Big Door Prize (2 seasons), Make or Break (2 seasons), and Time Bandits (1 season).
Everything Google Killed in 2024
1. Google Podcasts
Google launched its podcasting platform in 2018, but it never really took off. In September 2023, Google announced its plans to make YouTube Music its go-to podcast platform. In April 2024, Google shut Google Podcasts down in the US, followed by a global shutdown in June 2024.
2. Google Play Movies & TV
Launched in 2012, it allowed users to rent and buy movies and TV shows. But with YouTube and Google TV becoming Google’s primary focus, Play Movies & TV was shut down in January 2024. All purchases moved to YouTube, making it more of a consolidation than a complete shutdown.
3. Chromecast (Hardware)
First launched in 2013, Chromecast allowed users to cast their screens or shows to their TVs. However, with the company switching focus to Android TV and Google TV, the Chromecast hardware device was officially discontinued in August 2024.
4. Gmail Basic HTML View
Previously, users could click on the Load Basic HTML option at the bottom of the login or loading page to view the lightweight version of Gmail. It was designed for older browsers or slow internet connections. But in 2024, Google dropped support for it, pushing everyone to use the modern, standard Gmail interface.
5. VPN by Google One
Introduced as part of Google One subscriptions, this VPN was meant to add privacy and security. But in June 2024, Google decided it wasn’t worth keeping around. It’s likely because other VPN services offered more robust features.
6. Jamboard
Google’s collaborative whiteboard, Jamboard, was launched in 2017 as part of Google Workspace. It featured a 55-inch 4K touchscreen display and tools designed for brainstorming and visual collaboration. However, it struggled to gain traction against competitors like Microsoft Surface Hub. Google announced that Jamboard will stop getting automatic updates after September 30 and that the app will go out of service on December 31, 2024.
7. Stack
Google’s experimental PDF scanner app, Stack, was launched in March 2021 by Area 120 as a tool for scanning and organizing documents. However, despite positive reviews, it failed to attract a large enough user base. In September 2024, Google officially shut down Stack. The company is planning to integrate similar features into Google Drive.
8. Keen
Google’s Pinterest-like platform, Keen, was launched in 2020 as an experimental app. However, it failed to gain a significant user base, and Google decided to discontinue the service in 2024 as part of its strategy to focus on more widely adopted platforms.
9. Discontinued Devices
- Dropcam: Dropcam was one of Google’s early pioneers in smart home security cameras. However, it lacked advanced features like facial recognition and activity zones. As a result, Google discontinued the Dropcam in April 8, 2024. Google also offered discounts and migration tools to ease the transition for existing users.
- Nest Secure: Google’s smart security system launched in 2017 but was shut down on April 8, 2024. Google now partners with ADT for home security.
- Original Pixel Fold: Google’s first foldable phone was discontinued in 2024 as newer models replaced it.
- Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro: Both phones were dropped in 2024 to focus on the latest Pixel devices.
That’s it! folks.
