The iPhone 13 is here, and there are plenty of improvements to tempt iOS users to upgrade, including improved battery life and a smaller notch. However, it is also customary for the launch of a new iPhone to be accompanied by the removal of several devices from Apple's smartphone lineup, and this year is no exception.

The iPhone XR, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max will be discontinued as part of Apple's restructuring of the lineup. [iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max. It's no surprise that Apple needs to clear inventory space. After all, there is a limit to how many devices Apple can manufacture at one time, so the launch of the iPhone 13 series means that several older models will be on the chopping block.

While the introduction of a new iPhone is always an existing opportunity it is still a little sad to see some of our favorite past models pinned. Here are some of the iPhones that remain and some that will be eliminated.

While the shiny new trio of iPhone 13 devices goes on sale next week, some older phones will stick around for a while longer to give consumers a more affordable way to buy into the iOS ecosystem.

The current flagship model, the iPhone 12, will continue to be available as a matter of course. iPhone 12 is a major step forward for the device and remains a very attractive smartphone a year after its launch. The standard price has also dropped to just $699, $100 less than the pre-iPhone 13 price.

The iPhone 12 mini will also continue to be available, likely because Apple has plenty of spare inventory, based on soft sales reports. Pricing will start at $599, again $100 off the base price.

To maintain the iPhone family's ability to compete with mid-tier Android devices, the 2019 iPhone 11 will also stick around. While it is certainly no longer at the cutting edge of smartphone technology, it is still a worthwhile investment for those who are okay with being a couple of generations behind. The price drops to $499, $100 less than the previous price.

The most affordable iPhone, the iPhone SE, also continues to join the lineup. This device is an excellent iOS smartphone for the budget-conscious and will remain at its previous price point of $399.

Unfortunately, not all iPhones survived this round of cuts unscathed, and several former favorites will bid farewell as they move into the clearance phase of their life cycle.

We will be saying "goodbye" to the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, the premium members of the iPhone 12 family. These are devices designed primarily for technology enthusiasts, most of whom are likely to be early adopters of the iPhone 13, so it is not surprising that they will be shelved.

However, the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are expected to continue to be sold by carriers and retailers, likely at discounted prices.

Also, this year will mark the end of the iPhone XR. This less expensive version of the iPhone X was first released in 2018 and gave many users their first introduction to the iPhone's now-standard Super Retina display. We will always fondly remember the iPhone XR!