2025 was a year of change in the tech world. Many well-known products and services came to an end. Some were old favourites that lasted decades, while others were newer innovations that failed to gain traction. These shutdowns highlight how fast technology evolves and how companies adapt to new trends, competition and user needs.Â
Classic Internet Services Shut Down
Skype Officially Retired
One of the most iconic technologies of the early internet, Skype ended its run in 2025. Microsoft retired the service on May 5, moving users to Microsoft Teams. Skype once changed how we talked online, but newer tools overtook it in popularity and features.Â
AOL Dial-Up Internet Ends
Another piece of internet history also closed this year. AOL’s dial-up internet service was discontinued on September 30, 2025, after 34 years of operation. The service once helped millions first connect online. Its end shows how older technologies make way for modern broadband and wireless connectivity.
Major Apps and Online Services Retired
Pocket App Shuts Down
The read-it-later app Pocket officially closed in July 2025. Mozilla, which owned the service, shut it down as part of a broader product restructuring. Users were given time to export saved content before the app disappeared.Â
Piggy Fintech Platform Ends
Piggy, a zero-commission mutual fund investment platform, also ended operations in June 2025. Users needed to withdraw funds before the closure. This shutdown reflects challenges faced by fintech startups in a competitive market.Â
Meta Ends Fact-Checking Program (US)
In early 2025, Meta shut down its third-party fact-checking program in the U.S. The decision affected how misinformation is managed online and sparked debate about content moderation.Â
Google Product Shutdowns
Google continued trimming its ecosystem this year. Several services officially ended, including:
- Google Tables
- Firebase Dynamic Links
- Google URL Shortener
The shutdowns reflect Google’s ongoing push to simplify tools and focus on core products.
Apple Products Retired in 2025
Apple streamlined its lineup in 2025, retiring around 25 products, including phones, tablets, watches, Macs, and accessories.
iPhones Ended
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 15 & 15 Plus
- iPhone 14 & 14 Plus
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
iPads No Longer Available
- iPad Pro (M4 chip)
- iPad Air (M2 chip)
- iPad 10th generation
Apple Watches
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch SE 2
Mac Models Discontinued
- Mac Studio (M2 Max & M2 Ultra)
- 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 chip)
- 13-inch & 15-inch MacBook Air (M3)
- 13-inch MacBook Air (M2)
Apple Accessories Retired
- AirPods Pro 2
- Apple Vision Pro (M2 chip)
- MagSafe Charger with Qi 2
- 30W USB‑C Power Adapter
- Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable
- MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter
These changes reflected Apple’s focus on USB‑C transition, updated silicon, and next-gen products.
Microsoft End-of-Support Events
Several Microsoft products reached end-of-support in 2025, meaning no updates or patches will be provided:
- Windows 10 ended October 14, 2025
- Office 2016 and Office 2019 support ended
- Exchange Server, Visio, Project 2016/2019, and Visual Studio 2015 reached end-of-support
This affected millions of users and businesses globally, emphasising the importance of timely software upgrades.
Notable Startup and App Shutdowns
Several startups and apps closed operations in 2025:
- Dunzo (hyperlocal delivery app in India)
- BluSmart (EV ride-hailing service)
- Hike (messaging and gaming platform)
- Good Glamm Group (multiple digital brands)
- Pocket App (read-later tool)
- Piggy (fintech platform)
- Meta’s US fact-checking program
These closures show the risk and volatility of digital businesses, especially startups and niche apps.
What 2025 Revealed About the Tech Industry?
The events of 2025 showed that even established platforms are not permanent. Companies retired legacy products, shut down underperforming services, and pushed users toward newer ecosystems. As technology evolves faster than ever, adaptability remains the key to survival.
