How Long Will My iPhone Be Supported?

With every new iPhone release it means that there will be at least one older iPhone model that Apple drops support for. Now that the iPhone 16 has made its debut, many iPhone users are probably wondering, how long will my iPhone be supported? Staying clued up about the support lifecycle of your iPhone is crucial, as it directly impacts your device’s security, performance and of course access to new features. In this guide we’ll explore the support timeline for iPhones currently in circulation and discuss which models will soon lose support.

How Long Does Apple Support iPhones

Apple is pretty good at supporting their iPhones for the long haul and we’ll give credit where credit is due! Unofficially, Apple supplies iPhones with software updates and security patches for about 5 to 7 years after the iPhone model becomes first available.

As of April 2024, Apple had to comply with the UK PSTI (Product and Security Telecommunications Infrastructure) new regulation and define minimum support for iPhones. Starting from the iPhone 15 lineup Apple documented the support period which is “minimum 5 years from the first supply date”, according to this UK PSTI compliance statement. 

Official documentation aside, what this means is that even if you're rocking an older iPhone, Apple will still provide you with iOS updates, bug fixes and security updates for at least 5 years. So, luckily you’re not left in the dust as soon as the latest model launches meaning you can enjoy the Apple ecosystem for years until it’s time to think about an upgrade.

When Do I Upgrade My Phone?

‘When Do I Upgrade My Phone?’ seems like a simple question to which the answer is - when you need one. But, there’s a lot more to it and it can be a confusing place to be. For starters, how do you know whether or not you need to upgrade your phone? In this blog we’ll go over the signs when you genuinely need to upgrade your phone.

3 MIN READ

Is My iPhone Supported?

We’ve compiled a list of all the iPhones currently in circulation and whether or not they are still supported by Apple. Take a look below to see whether you need to start thinking about buying your next iPhone or if you still have a few more years left before you need to sell your iPhone in preparation for an upgrade.

Why Using A Supported iPhone Matters

Using a supported iPhone isn’t just about getting the latest emojis or new wallpapers - it’s about keeping your phone safe, fast and fully functional. 

✅First up is security, Apple regularly rolls out updates that will patch any vulnerabilities and ultimately protect your personal data. Running an outdated iOS version leaves your phone open to potential threats and that’s not worth the risk.

✅Then there’s performance. Each iOS update is designed to optimise how your iPhone performs. These fix any reported bugs, boost speed and make everything from scrolling to launching apps feel much smoother. If you’ve ever noticed your phone lagging, installing a new update can often be the fix you need. 

✅Last but not least, compatibility. Many apps require the latest iOS versions to function properly and some may eventually stop working on older softwares. Not only apps, but new software and functionality features that Apple releases are compatible with certain iOS versions. So keeping your iPhone updated ensures you won’t miss out on updates that are compatible with your iPhone and your favourite apps working seamlessly. 

Takeaway

In short, sticking with a supported iPhone keeps your experience smooth, safe and up to date with all the latest improvements Apple has to offer. Staying updated also means getting access to new features. Whether it’s cool tool improvements, new privacy controls or fun little tweaks like widgets and custom app icons, updates are what keep your phone feeling new and exciting.

Yasmin

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