Yes, an iPhone can physically last 10 years with care, but full software support usually ends around 5-7 years; you'll still get security updates longer, but performance and app compatibility decline as new iOS versions drop older hardware, often requiring a battery replacement to keep it usable after the first few years. While hardware can endure, the experience becomes limited, making the actual usable life with current software closer to 7-8 years for most, though some users keep older models going for even longer.
Apple says iPhones are best for 3 years of use but they can typically stay fully usable for several years. Software updates and proper battery care are the keys. If you change the battery, you're good until Apple stops updating its iOS.
If you want to keep using an iPhone for as many years as possible, avoid buying models that are already more than a year old. These models will get cut off from major iOS upgrades sooner than newer devices, which will make them unsafe to use in a shorter timeframe.
The 20-80 rule for iPhones suggests keeping the battery charge between 20% and 80% to minimize stress on the lithium-ion battery, thereby extending its overall lifespan and health by avoiding the high-stress points of full discharge (0%) and full charge (100%). While not a strict necessity for daily use, this practice reduces battery degradation by avoiding deep discharges and the taxing final 20% of charging, helping maintain battery capacity longer, though modern iPhones have built-in features like Optimized Battery Charging to manage this.
It's especially important to avoid exposing your device to ambient temperatures higher than 95° F (35° C), which can permanently damage battery capacity. That is, your battery won't power your device as long on a given charge. Charging the device in high ambient temperatures can damage it further.
You can charge your iPhone every night even if the battery isn't fully depleted. iPhone automatically stops charging when the battery is fully charged, so it's safe to keep your iPhone connected to a charger overnight. Charging resumes automatically if your battery level drops below 95 percent.
iPhone 6S is the oldest iPhone supported with security updates because it runs iOS 15, which was last updated in August 2025.
Three-finger gestures on iPhone primarily activate accessibility features like VoiceOver (for screen reading and navigation) and Zoom (magnification), allowing scrolling, zooming, and text manipulation (copy/paste/undo) with specific taps and drags, though some text actions work without VoiceOver enabled for quick editing. Common gestures include three-finger double-tap to toggle VoiceOver speech, triple-tap for the screen curtain, and pinching/spreading with three fingers for copy/paste actions, notes this YouTube video.
iPhones generally last four years or more without any major issues. But unless you have a pressing need or a lot of disposable income, upgrading every year is just contributing to unnecessary waste — and let's be honest, it adds to the growing carbon footprint we should all be more mindful of.
Average lifespan of a smartphone: In 2024, a smartphone has an average life span of 2.53 years. According to reports, iPhones last 4-10 years, while Samsung phones last 3-6 years. Many factors affect a smartphone's lifespan, including the condition of the screen, the hardware, and the battery's health.
The typical American upgrades their smartphone every two to three years, and these are some of the most common reasons why:
The Risks of Using Unsupported Devices
Security Vulnerabilities: The most significant risk of using an unsupported device is the exposure to security vulnerabilities. Without regular software updates, your iPhone becomes an easy target for hackers.
An iPhone 12's value varies significantly by condition, storage, and model (Mini, Pro, Pro Max), generally falling from around $200 to over $500+ USD (or equivalent in other currencies) on the used market, with Pro models fetching more; expect lower values for trade-ins and higher for private sales, though battery health and screen condition are key factors.
Apple has removed three iPhones from its website. These include both iPhone 16 Pro models – iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, along with the base iPhone 15 model.
*3001#12345#* on an iPhone activates the hidden Field Test Mode, a diagnostic tool for network engineers and power users to see detailed cellular data like signal strength (dBm), cell tower info, and network quality, accessible by dialing the code in the Phone app and pressing call, often after turning off Wi-Fi for accurate cellular readings.
Messages automatically uses the following screen effects for specific text strings:
You can double-tap or triple-tap the back of iPhone to perform actions such as taking a screenshot, turning on an accessibility feature, running a shortcut, and more. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap, then choose an action.
An unopened, factory-sealed, first-generation 4GB iPhone from 2007 sold for over $190,000 (specifically $190,372.80) at a LCG Auctions auction in July 2023, becoming a highly prized collector's item due to its rarity and pristine condition, far exceeding its original price.
No, the iPhone 11 isn't "too old" to buy in late 2025/early 2026 for budget-conscious users needing a reliable phone with good software support (like iOS 17/18), but newer models offer significant upgrades like OLED screens, 5G, and better cameras, making the iPhone 12 or 13 a smarter long-term buy for most, while the 11 is excellent value if budget is key and you can get a good battery, notes YouTube and Swappie.
Older Generations : Even older models – iPhone 7/7 Plus, iPhone 6s/6s Plus, iPhone 6 and earlier – are already obsolete and have not been supported for several years.
Identify Your Usage Habits
For example, streaming videos or music, making calls, and gaming on the go typically cause your battery to drain much more quickly. Other culprits of battery draining include active applications in the background or constantly updating, such as real-time weather apps.
The 20-80 rule for iPhones suggests keeping the battery charge between 20% and 80% to minimize stress on the lithium-ion battery, thereby extending its overall lifespan and health by avoiding the high-stress points of full discharge (0%) and full charge (100%). While not a strict necessity for daily use, this practice reduces battery degradation by avoiding deep discharges and the taxing final 20% of charging, helping maintain battery capacity longer, though modern iPhones have built-in features like Optimized Battery Charging to manage this.
⚠️ Apple is warning users not to sleep next to their iPhones while the device is charging, especially under pillows or blankets. The company says doing so can restrict airflow and cause overheating — posing a fire, burn, or electric shock risk.