Apple has always been known for keeping its gadgets updated longer than most other brands, but even its older devices eventually come to the end of their life. Recently, the tech company added another iPhone to its list of outdated products, which is bad news for those who still depend on these old models.1
What Does “Obsolete” Mean for iPhone Users?
When Apple calls a device “obsolete,” it means that support for that model has ended. This doesn’t mean your iPhone will just stop working, but it can be a problem if it needs repairs or parts. Once a model is marked as obsolete, Apple and its authorized service providers no longer have parts or offer repair services for that phone. As stated on Apple’s website, “Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products and service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products.”
For those holding onto an older model, the risk is clear—if something breaks down, your only choices are finding third-party repairs or trying to fix it yourself. However, these options are not great either since they could cause more damage or void any remaining warranties.
Which iPhone Is Now Obsolete?
The latest addition to Apple’s outdated list is the iPhone 5C, which was first released in 2013. This follows several other older models like the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 6 Plus also becoming obsolete. If you own any of these phones it’s important to know that official support and repair options are no longer available.
The iPhone 6, another phone launched in 2014, might soon follow this trend too! While it hasn’t been officially labeled as obsolete yet reports suggest it’s heading there.2 So if you’re using an iPhone 6 you should think about upgrading.
The Impact of Updates from Apple
Besides hardware support there’s another big downside to having an outdated iphone; your device won’t get important updates anymore! Usually Apple supports their iphones with updates around seven years but after that they stop getting new features or security fixes! As newer models keep getting these updates older iphones fall behind making them more open to security threats like malware.
For example; both the iphone 6S and first-generation iphone SE got their last major update with ios15! With ios18 coming soon millions of devices including these old ones will miss out on new features! Without updates your iphone may also face compatibility issues since apps start needing newer versions of ios!
Security Risks with Old Iphones!
The real threat when using an old iphone comes from increased security risks! While apple sometimes sends critical patches they only fix serious problems leaving many bugs unfixed over time making hacking easier!
With how fast technology moves a phone without software updates becomes very vulnerable ! If you keep sensitive info like bank details or personal photos on an outdated device then maybe it’s time to upgrade so you can protect yourself!
How Can You Make Your Iphone Last Longer?
If you’re not ready yet too let go off your old iphone there are some things you can do too help keep it running well . According too Apple Scoop , start by taking care off battery health . Over time batteries wear down causing performance issues . Check battery health by going into Settings > Battery > Battery Health . If below eighty percent consider replacing because this could really boost performance!
Another tip would be cleaning out unneeded apps regularly freeing up space ! Don’t fill memory completely because this slows everything down ! Lastly stay safe online avoid downloading unknown apps use VPN when connecting public Wi-Fi protecting personal data!
Should You Get A New One?
At some point keeping an old phone becomes more trouble than it’s worth ! As apps become incompatible plus security risks rise upgrading makes sense providing peace off mind . Newer phones might cost quite bit but even refurbished ones give several years off updates plus better performance !
If you’re attached too your current one keeping clean secure helps extend lifespan however if worried about missing crucial upgrades then getting new one seems best choice after all staying updated isn’t just about cool features but also keeping personal data safe in today’s connected world .
