Evolving technology means that your old gear is often being cycled out, and these five products lost most (if not all) of their functionality in 2025.
2025 was an important year in tech, especially related to AI applications and humanoid robots. Less than a year ago, DeepSeek was making the news after its latest AI model was as good as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Microsoft’s Copilot, but only requiring a fraction of the processing and RAM power. That disrupted the industry, and even though the scenario stabilized throughout the year (as RAM prices increased and important manufacturing pieces became more expensive), American companies were able to fight their way to the top once again.
However, 2025 was also marked by important tech that didn’t make the cut for 2026, and they’re no longer available to customers. As we move on into new technologies and standards, some things are better left behind, and others were too advanced for their time. Here’s a breakdown of some of the important technologies that died in 2025 as we look forward to what’s coming next.The end of the iPhone Home Button — but not Touch ID
Apple revolutionized the mobile phone category with the first iPhone. Besides the touchscreen capabilities, one of the more defining and iconic iPhone features was definitely the Home Button. Available from the original model up until the iPhone 8, Apple kept its legacy alive with the iPhone SE, which was available up until 2025.
With the introduction of the iPhone 16e, Apple removed the last iPhone it was selling with a Home Button. By the end of the year, it also discontinued the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 lineups, in addition to the previous iPhone 16 Pro models.
That said, while we mourn for the iPhone SE lineup and the Home Button, it doesn’t mean Apple scrapped Touch ID for good. Not only is it available on some iPad and Mac models, but the company is expected to bring it back to the iPhone lineup with the first iPhone Fold later this year, where it will likely be placed on a side button.Humane AI Pin
Unveiled in 2023 and released in 2024, Humane’s AI Pin had everything to be a successful product, despite one minor compromise: The technology wasn’t there yet.
