No iPhones are literally "shutting down" in 2026; rather, older models stop receiving major iOS updates, impacting security and app compatibility, with the iPhone 11 and potentially iPhone 12 nearing this stage, while older devices like iPhone 6s/7/8 are already unsupported, and some carriers are shutting down 3G networks affecting older phones like iPhone 5C/5S. Apple discontinues older models from sale (like iPhone 15/16 series recently), but the devices themselves usually work until they can't run essential apps or services.
The company is retiring its iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation iPhone SE. Removing older smartphone models is quite the norm for Apple. The company already discontinued the iPhone 15 lineup, along with the iPhone 13, just before the release of the iPhone 16 models last year.
With the launch of the iPhone 17 series, the company has officially discontinued the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, along with last year's iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. If you've been eyeing up an iPhone 15 or already own one, this news might feel like a curveball.
No. No iPhone will suddenly stop turning on or functioning in 2026. Even very old models can still make calls, send texts, and connect to Wi-Fi. What changes is software support — some models will stop receiving iOS upgrades or security updates.
When will Apple stop supporting each iPhone?
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 discontinued the iPhone 15 lineup (including Pro models) to make way for newer generations (iPhone 16/17), streamlining its product line, focusing production on current models, reducing complexity, and maintaining premium brand image, a standard practice that happens annually after new releases. Discontinuation by Apple means they stop selling them directly, but support, software updates (for years), and availability through other retailers or refurbished markets continue.
Despite the immense success of the iPhone 17 in 2025, the iPhone 18 is not expected to arrive until the spring of 2027, leaving the iPhone 17 in the lineup as the latest standard model for over 18 months. ⬇️ Read more in the comments ⬇️
Yes, the iPhone 15 is widely considered a worthwhile purchase in late 2025/early 2026, especially if upgrading from older models (iPhone 11-14) due to its excellent value, significant camera upgrades (48MP sensor, better HDR/Night Mode), Dynamic Island, USB-C port, A16 Bionic performance, and comfortable design, though its 60Hz screen is a drawback compared to newer Pro models. Current iPhone 15 users generally don't need to upgrade unless wanting the Pro models' 120Hz display or newer AI features.
Your iPhone may shut down or restart due to: Overheating. Software issues. App crashes.
An evolution in resolution. iPhone 17 has a 48MP Fusion Main camera with a 2x optical-quality telephoto, and a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera with 4x the resolution of the Ultra Wide camera on iPhone 16. And now Ultra Wide photos are 24MP by default, the perfect file size for high‑quality storing and sharing.
iPhones have sold for over $100,000, primarily factory-sealed, first-generation 4GB models from 2007, considered "Holy Grail" collectibles due to extreme rarity, with one selling for nearly $200,000 in 2023. Luxury customized versions by companies like Caviar, featuring gold and diamonds (like the iPhone 11 Pro), also reach this price point, but the highest values are for original, unopened iPhones.
1. What Apple products have been discontinued? In 2025, Apple discontinued 23 products, including iPhones (iPhone 14, 15, 16 series, SE), iPads (iPad Pro M4, iPad Air M2, iPad 10), MacBooks, Apple Watches (Series 10, SE 2, Ultra 2), and accessories like AirPods Pro 2 and MagSafe chargers.
iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus (2014)
Together, they sold over 220 million units and cemented Apple's place as the leader in mobile design. The demand was so high, Apple even re-released the iPhone 6 in 2017 at a mid-range price point.
That means the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold will be released in September 2026, followed by the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in spring 2027.
It's highly likely there won't be an iPhone 19; reports from late 2025 suggest Apple plans to skip the number and jump directly to the iPhone 20 in 2027 to celebrate the original iPhone's 20th anniversary, mirroring their move from iPhone 8 to iPhone X (10) in 2017. This anniversary model is rumored to feature a significant redesign with an all-glass, borderless display, potentially launching alongside other models like the iPhone 18e in a staggered release, according to industry analysts.
As we can see, there have been some issues with the durability and internals with the phone. These issues could have occurred due to the shift from lighting to USB-C and how Apple changed its back to a titanium cover. The iPhone 15 was even having concerns with its UI system, since it would lag and freeze.
To comply with mandates, the iPhone 14 models, along with the iPhone SE (third generation), were discontinued in the European Union in 2024, completing the iPhone's transition from a Lightning connection to USB-C. The iPhone 14 models alongside the iPhone SE (third generation) were later discontinued worldwide on ...
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.
For example, you might see "Based on your iPhone habits, a charge limit of 95% is recommended to help preserve your battery." If you have Charge Limit set to less than 100 percent, your iPhone will occasionally charge to 100 percent to maintain accurate battery state-of-charge estimates.