The iPhone (retroactively referred to as the iPhone 2G, iPhone 1, or original iPhone) is the first iPhone model and the first smartphone designed and marketed by Apple Inc. After years of rumors and speculation, it was officially announced on January 9, 2007, and was released in the United States on June 29, 2007.
How long does Apple support iOS? As of 2023, Apple supports the last two versions of its operating systems for bug and security updates: iOS 16 and iOS 15. All phones that could run iOS 14 and iOS 13 are able to run iOS 15, so that means all phones from iPhone 6s forwards are supported.
It will still work over Wi-Fi, so you can use it like an iPod Touch. But there won't be any apps available for it. The answer to what the 3GS can do is "very little".
On June 6, 2022, Apple announced on its website that iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will not receive support for iOS 16.
2. Will the iPhone 7 still work in 2023? Even though the iPhone 7 is no longer supported by Apple's iOS updates, that doesn't mean you still can't use it in 2023. The iPhone 7 will still work on different carrier networks in the US and you'll still have access to apps on the Apple Store.
You may not find a new iPhone 11 for sale because Apple discontinued it after announcing the launch of the iPhone 14 on September 7, 2022.
With all the upgraded smartphone tech, you might prefer to buy a more recent iPhone model, but the iPhone 8 is still a perfectly good smartphone in 2023.
Apple may scrap iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max this year. Additionally, it may stop selling iPhone 11 and iPhone 12. That leaves us with iPhone 13, iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus.
Earlier models, such as the 5/5C, only support up to iOS 10, while iPhone 6/6 Plus goes up to iOS 12. The iPhone 6S/6S Plus and later versions go up to the most recent version of iOS 15. Apple considers its products obsolete when it stops distribution and sale for more than seven years.
There are limits: the older the phone, the harder it is to get software that runs on it. So you need to know both what iOS version an app needs and what the latest iOS is that you can run on your phone. Phones back as far as the iPhone 6s can run the iOS 15, for instance, but older ones can't, including the iPhone 6.
Most modern iPhones work with any carrier, but if you're buying an older used iPhone, check to make sure it's compatible with your cellular company. You should ensure a used iPhone isn't stolen or Activation Locked by checking the IMEI or inserting a SIM card.
Most iPhones last between 4 and 7 years, however this is not guaranteed. If your iPhone is more than a few years old, it's likely starting to become outdated and clunky, and it might be time to think about upgrading to a newer model for a better user experience.
However when it comes to iPhones, you can expect between three to five years (maybe more) with proper care.
Updated Jan 20, 2023 - Yes, the iPhone 6s is still a good phone.
The iPhone 8 is expected to support iOS 17 when it is released in late 2023, but that could be the last iOS update it receives (aside from a possible small security update). Another important aspect to consider is battery life.
US-based tech giant Apple Inc may exclude the iPhone SE 4 from its new product planning for 2024/2025.
The company has announced that devices such as the iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C and more will be considered obsolete. Here's more about it. The Cupertino-based company has announced that it will stop support and service for older iPhone models, labelling them as vintage.
Is the iPhone XR outdated in 2023? Apple reportedly continues to support older iPhone models with software dates up to 6 years after the original released date. Since the iPhone XR was released in September 2018, you can expect that Apple will continue to support this model with iOS updates up to 2025.
With an iPhone, you receive the latest iOS updates up to 5 years after the release of the device. That makes the iPhone durable and ensures that your older device lasts a long time.
Currently, iPhone 8 and all other variants are running on iOS 16 and it is unlikely for the model to support iOS 17. But some experts say that the update can continue till 2024 or 2025 because they discontinued the production after three years of the launch. The iPhone 8 is still a pretty workable device for customers.
In our testing, the iPhone 12 lasted about one to two hours less than the iPhone 11, giving the older model an advantage for those who need longer battery life. Not only is the battery bigger, but it also seems that overall efficiency seems to be better, thanks to the lower-resolution LCD display.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 11 verdict
The iPhone 11 is an excellent phone. But, battery life aside, the iPhone 12 is a better phone in every way. It has a more powerful processor, a more striking screen, its design is more modern and the overall feel of the device is simply more impressive than its older sibling.
Many older iPhones can run Apple's latest operating system, iOS 15.5. According to Apple's policy of supporting iPhones for six years, we might estimate that the iPhone 11 will be supported until 2025. As a result, you may rest assured that your operating system will be up to date at least for a few years.