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Buying older smartphones is great because they’re cheaper and still perform well. However, it is important to consider that even though an older smartphone is cheaper, it may not be as up to date as regular iPhone updates. They might not update at all! Frequently updating your iPhone is very important, not only so you can get the latest tech features to impress your friends but also, so your phone is protected from bugs and glitches. Luckily, Apple iPhones support updates for a long time, and we’re talking years! So if you’ve recently bought an iPhone within the last 5 years, you’ll be completely fine.
The quick verdict
If you bought an iPhone in the last 5 years, you are fine: iOS 18 supports the iPhone XS and newer. The iPhone X and everything older no longer gets the latest updates, so avoid those if security matters to you. When buying an older model, check its estimated end of support, as the iPhone XS and XR are expected to drop off around 2026 and the iPhone 11 around 2027.
iPhone software support at a glance
| iPhone | Released | Estimated end of support |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone X and older | 2017 or earlier | No longer supported |
| iPhone XS and XR | 2018 | Approx 2026 |
| iPhone 11 | 2019 | Approx 2027 |
| iPhone SE2 | 2020 | Approx 2028 |
| iPhone 12 | 2020 | Approx 2030 |
| iPhone 13 | 2021 | Approx 2032 |
| iPhone 16 | 2024 | Approx 2036 |
Future dates are Envirofone estimates rather than Apple announcements.
In this blog, we take a look at the 10+-year-old iPhones that are no longer supported by Apple along with the upcoming smartphones that are at risk of being vulnerable plus the future guesstimations of when the recent iPhones won’t be compatible. Let’s get into it!
Related blog: Flip Phone Vs Standard Smartphone
Why is it important to update an iPhone?
In general, an iPhone will last 7-8 years on software updates whilst the battery may last about 5-6 years meaning on average, your iPhone will last about 7 years altogether. Apple issues important security updates for all iPhones on the current IOS version which is IOS18. Don’t worry, it still issues updates for IOS17 and IOS16 but not as frequently. If possible, it’s best to update your iPhone to IOS18 to be risk-free from any glitches or bug issues. When Apple released the IOS18 in September 2024, all iPhones from the iPhone XS and above were secure.
To put this into perspective, let’s give an example based on the original iPhone. So the iPhone from 2007 was able to run on OS3, this version was supported by Apple until 2010, after this the phone still worked well it just wasn’t as consistent with frequent updates. Now, in 2025, the iPhone 2007 is obsolete according to Apple.
Which iPhone is not supported anymore?
- iPhone X (2017)
- iPhone 8/8 Plus (2017)
- iPhone 7/7 Plus (2016)
- iPhone SE (2016)
- iPhone 6s/6s Plus (2014)
- iPhone 6/6 Plus (2014)
- iPhone 5s (2013)
- iPhone 5c (2013)
- iPhone 5 (2012)
- iPhone 4s (2011)
- iPhone 4 (2010)
- iPhone 3GS (2009)
- iPhone 3G (2008)
- iPhone (2007)
Which iPhone will stop being supported?
- iPhone XS (2018) - Approx 2026
- iPhone XR (2018) - Approx 2026
- iPhone 11 (2019) - Approx 2027
- iPhone SE2 (2020) - Approx 2028
- iPhone 12 (2020) - Approx 2030
- iPhone 13 (2021) - Approx 2032
- iPhone SE3 (2022) - Approx 2033
- iPhone 14 (2022) - Approx 2034
- iPhone 15 (2023) - Approx 2035
- iPhone 16 (2024) - Approx 2036
- iPhone 17 (2025) - Approx 2037
Conclusion:
When IOS19 releases in September 2025, following the logic in this blog, we expect the iPhone XR to join to obsolete list. The iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 2020 are the upcoming phones in the next few years set to be obsolete.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it important to update an iPhone?
Updating an iPhone gives you the latest features and protects it from bugs and glitches. Apple issues important security updates on the current version, iOS 18, and still updates iOS 17 and iOS 16, but less frequently.
How long do iPhones get software updates?
In general an iPhone gets software updates for 7-8 years, while the battery may last about 5-6 years. That means an iPhone lasts about 7 years altogether on average.
Which iPhones are not supported anymore?
iPhones no longer supported include the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, the first iPhone SE, the iPhone 6s and 6 ranges, and every older model back to the original iPhone from 2007.
Which iPhones work with iOS 18?
When Apple released iOS 18 in September 2024, all iPhones from the iPhone XS and newer were supported. If possible, it is best to update an iPhone to iOS 18 to stay protected from glitches and bugs.
Which iPhone will stop being supported next?
Envirofone expects the iPhone XR to become obsolete when iOS 19 is released in September 2025. The iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 2020 are the next iPhones likely to lose support in the following few years.
