Apple typically supports iPhones with software updates for about 5 years after their initial release.

When weighing the merits of purchasing an older device or a used iPhone, or debating whether to upgrade your current model to a newer one, it’s crucial to consider the duration of support Apple will provide for that particular handset. Apple’s iPhones are designed to remain functional for an extended period of time, ensuring users can enjoy their devices without worrying about obsolescence. Typically, users can expect seven to eight years of software support for their device, while battery replacements and other repair options may be available for five to seven-year-old models, as classified by Apple’s outdated phone categories.

Identify reliable sources that provide information on parts supported for maintenance and repair purposes. We’ve developed comprehensive guides to help you navigate the process of acquiring and installing essential tools and software.

Apple typically supports its iOS devices with software updates for around 3-5 years after their initial release. However, this timeframe may vary depending on the device model and its popularity among users. Additionally, older devices might still receive security patches even if they are no longer receiving feature updates.

Apple typically does not provide specific timing guarantees for updates. Despite this, customers can reasonably expect a minimum of five years’ worth of iOS updates and six years’ guarantee of security patches from Apple, which often exceeds its initial projections. As part of our strategy, we predict that iPhone XS and XR models will no longer receive software support once iOS 19 is released in 2025, effectively bringing their operating system and security update lifespan to seven years.

Below, a comprehensive chart showcases each iOS model alongside the compatible iPhone devices. For over six years, support for newly released iOS versions has been extended, with the previous three iterations pushing that timeline back another year.

Foundry

Apple issues periodic safety updates to the current version of iOS, as well as older versions, typically spanning the last two iterations. When Apple’s iOS 18 arrives on September 16, 2024, it is likely that we can expect to see safety updates for all previous versions of the operating system, including iOS 17 and iOS 16. Acquiring a safety net on the day of iOS 18’s launch ensured a smooth transition. It’s likely that Apple won’t continue to support older devices with future iOS updates because iOS 18 is compatible with the same phones.

Rarely does Apple release imperative security patches for iOS. While it may not pose a replacement for each model of iOS, this does imply that certain iPhone models will not receive this update, potentially leaving them vulnerable to security flaws.

iPhone OS historical past

The original iPhone, released in 2007, was compatible with iPhone OS 3, a version supported by Apple until 2010. The iPhone is considered obsolete by Apple.

The original iPhone, which debuted in 2008, initially ran on iOS 4.0; a version that received support until 2011. The iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS have been considered outdated by Apple.

The size of assistance elevated significantly with the launch of the company in 2011. The old cellphone supported up to iOS 9 for its operating system. In July 2019, Apple continued to support iOS 9 by issuing an update related to GPS functionality. The iPhone 4 and 4S are now considered outdated by Apple.

The device runs iOS 10, which was updated with a GPS-related feature in July 2019. The iPhone 5 and 5c have been considered outdated by Apple.

Two models of iPhone, running iOS 12, received a security update from Apple in January 2023 to address vulnerabilities. The following replacement was issued for those devices that do not support iOS 15. Apple has officially discontinued support for iOS 12, marking the end of its lifespan. The iPhone models developed by Apple are regarded as iconic and timeless classics.

iOS 15, released in September 2021, supports all iPhones starting from that point, similar to previous versions such as iOS 14 and iOS 13. As Apple considers iOS 14 and 13 outdated, the same devices can now seamlessly upgrade to iOS 15. The iPhone 6s has earned classic status from Apple.

The feature, introduced in September 2022, supports all iPhones starting from the iPhone 12 onwards; though note that not all options are available on earlier models.

The new iOS, arrived in September 2023, supporting devices starting from iPhone XS onwards, effectively leaving the older models such as iPhone X and iPhone 8 to run on a potentially outdated platform, namely iOS 15.

Arriving on September 16, 2024, Android 15 is scheduled to support a wide range of devices, including all iPhones from the iPhone 12 onwards, mirroring the compatibility of its predecessor, Android 14.

As of now, the oldest iPhone still supported by Apple is the iPhone 6S (released in 2015), which got its last major software update (iOS 15.6) in May 2022.

If older models of iOS are still receiving security updates, the oldest compatible iPhones would be those capable of running iOS 17. These phones were first released six years ago in 2018.

As Apple’s latest move, future iPhones will no longer receive routine updates, except for certain models that may occasionally receive essential security patches.

• iPhone X (2017)
• iPhone 8/8 Plus (2017)
• iPhone 7/7 Plus (2016)
• iPhone SE (2016)
• iPhone 6s/6s Plus (2014)
• iPhone 6/6 Plus (2014)
• iPhone 5s (2013)
• iPhone 5c (2013)
• iPhone 5 (2012)
• iPhone 4s (2011)
• iPhone 4 (2010)
• iPhone 3GS (2009)
• iPhone 3G (2008)
• iPhone (2007)

For further details, please refer to our documentation.

IDG

Apple typically stops supporting and providing updates for its iPhones after a certain period.

Apple provides comprehensive repair assistance for its devices, including iPhones and other products, for a period of seven years following the date of purchase of a specific model. As long as your iPhone remains relatively modern, with its purchase dating back no more than seven years, you can rest assured that Apple or a reliable third-party service provider will continue to support and service it.

Apple typically honors its warranty and support commitments to customers of iPhone, iPad, iPod or Mac products for a period of five years from the date of purchase, unless the product is no longer supported, which may occur when new models are released, indicating that sales have been discontinued more than seven years ago, after which Apple discontinues all hardware servicing.

• iPhone
• iPhone 3G
• iPhone 3GS
• The iPhone 4: a relic from bygone eras?
• iPhone 4s
• iPhone 5c (discontinued in September 2013 and now outdated as of 2021).
• iPhone 5S (launched in 2013, discontinued in 2016, considered vintage as of 2021, and outdated by 2024)
• iPhone 6 Plus (Discontinued in 2016, Considered a Classic as of 2021, and Outdated by 2024)
• iPhone 6s (32GB), a discontinued model since its discontinuation in 2018, now considered outdated as of 2024.
• Discontinued iPhone 6s Plus with 32GB storage: No longer supported as of 2018, rendering it outdated by 2024.

Here are the iPhones under which implies that these have not been purchased more than five years ago but less than seven years. Apple continues to support these products as long as they possess the necessary parts.

• iPhone 4, an 8GB model that was discontinued in 2013, yet remained available for purchase in India until February 2014. Its outdated technology makes it vulnerable to being surpassed by newer models at a rapid pace?
• iPhone 5, discontinued in September 2013 and now rapidly becoming outdated.
• iPhone 6 (discontinued in 2016 and rebranded as a classic model in 2021)
• iPhone 6S (16GB): Discontinued in 2016 and now a vintage model as of 2022.
• iPhone 6s Plus (16GB): A discontinued flagship from Apple’s past, originally released in 2015 and finally retired in 2018; although it’s now a nostalgic classic in 2022.
• iPhone SE (2016-2018), a retro-classic model as of 2023.
• iPhone 8 (discontinued as of 2020, with a classic status by 2024)
• iPhone 8 Plus: a discontinued device from 2020, now considered vintage since its reclassification as a “classic” in 2024.
• iPhone X (formerly discontinued in 2018, now a vintage classic as of 2024)

All iPhones that adopt these handsets must have support from Apple.

It’s worth exploring more about that topic, isn’t it?

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