In 2024, older iPhones like the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, and iPhone 5S officially became "obsolete" or "vintage," meaning no more hardware repairs; while phones like the iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, and X stopped receiving major iOS updates (iOS 17 was their last), though they still got crucial security patches. While no iPhone stopped working entirely in 2024, the iPhone 13 was expected to be discontinued from new sales around the iPhone 16 launch, though it still got updates.
Truth is we don't know for sure, but on the basis that Apple supports phones for five to seven years after they are removed from sale: iPhone XS (2018-2019) – Approx 2024-2026. iPhone XR (2018-2021) – Approx 2026-2028. iPhone 11 (2019-2022) – Approx 2027-2029.
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.
With a Ceramic Shield and aerospace-grade aluminium, this phone is made to last. iOS Updates for Days: Apple's got your back with iOS updates expected until at least 2027, keeping your phone up-to-date and secure.
When an iPhone becomes obsolete, Apple will no longer support it with repairs or iOS security updates. This is a major issue, as if you can't receive security updates, your iPhone will no longer be secure. If you can't update your iPhone, attackers can take advantage of security holes to install malware on your device.
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.
If you're considering an upgrade, here's a list of iPhone models that currently support the latest iOS 26 and receive security updates from Apple:
A report close to Apple has revealed the iPhone 6 and 6S as the company's two most unsuccessful models. The failure rate with the iPhone 6 is estimated at 22%, while the iPhone 16S is 6%. The table also continues with the other 6S Plus and 6Plus models.
The best iPhone depends on your needs, with the iPhone 17 being the top pick for most people due to its great value, strong performance, and excellent battery life, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is best for power users, photographers, and gamers needing top-tier cameras and processing power, and the iPhone 16 (or older models like the 15 Pro) offers significant savings for those wanting modern features like USB-C at a lower cost. For budget buyers, older models like the iPhone 14 still provide good performance and camera quality.
The best iPhone depends on your budget and needs: the iPhone 13 is the best value for everyday use, the iPhone 14 is a mid-tier choice with minor upgrades, while the iPhone 15 offers significant improvements like Dynamic Island, USB-C, better cameras, and more RAM, making it the smartest long-term purchase if you can afford it over the 13/14. Skip the 14 if you're choosing between the 13 and 15; the 15 is a much bigger leap.
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 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.
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are the best-selling smartphones.
The iPhone 13 has a more vibrant display with its OLED screen. The iPhone 11 is slightly bulkier and heavier. The iPhone 13 camera supports Night Mode on both lenses of the dual camera, whereas the iPhone 11 only supports it on the main wide lens. The iPhone 13 offers better battery life.
The iPhone 11, released in 2019, is expected to receive its final major iOS update with iOS 26 (in 2025), with support ending around late 2026 or 2027, as Apple generally provides 6-7 years of major software updates, meaning it will likely stop getting new features with iOS 27 but continue receiving important security patches for some time after.
Our repair data shows that these five repairs are the most common on the iPhone 11 series: Screen replacement – Due to drop or impact damage, or a touchscreen that no longer responds. Battery Replacement – For iPhones that no longer last all day. Cleaning or replacing charging port – In case of charging problems.
What is the Oldest iPhone That is Still Supported? As of 2024, the oldest iPhone models still receiving iOS updates are the iPhone XS and XS Max, which were released in 2018. While these older models can still run the latest iOS version, users might notice some trade-offs.
If your phone is outdated, struggling to keep up, and no longer supported with software updates, it's probably time to say goodbye. However, if your phone is still going strong with a little TLC, you can save money and reduce e-waste by extending its life.
A 76% battery health is considered okay if your device lasts your day, but it's below Apple's recommended 80% threshold for optimal performance, meaning you'll likely experience shorter battery life and potential slowdowns, making a battery replacement a worthwhile consideration for improved longevity and speed.
Several factors can contribute to iPhone battery drain, including background app activity, software issues, and aging battery health.
Excessive Standby Battery Drain
Many iPhone 12 and 12 Pro users have noticed an unusual battery drain, sometimes losing up to 20% charge overnight, even in Airplane Mode.