How long does Apple support iPhones: Everything you need to know

iPhones are known for their great resale value. Part of this can be attributed to the extended software support Apple offers on them. This is in contrast to most Android phones, which get software support for fewer years.

That said, it’s important to consider how long Apple supports each iPhone model when buying an older or refurbished device. In this article, I’ll give you all the details you must know about Apple’s support for different iPhones so you know how many years of support you can expect for your device.

How long does Apple support iOS?

Most iPhones receive six to eight years of iOS support. This is great from a longevity and security standpoint, as it ensures that your device will function optimally for several years.

However, it’s important to note that Apple cannot continue supporting devices that are too old since technology advances rapidly. Older devices lack the technical components to keep up with the demands of the latest software.

To make it easier for you, I’ve compiled a table showing Apple’s support of every iPhone model, including its release and discontinuation dates. Keep in mind that the dates are estimates based on past releases with an average of 7 years of support. So, they may change in the future as newer devices and iOS versions become available.

What happens when Apple no longer supports your iPhone?

When Apple no longer supports your iPhone, it means the device will no longer receive software updates, including critical security patches and new features. Without these updates, your iPhone becomes increasingly vulnerable to security risks and compatibility issues with apps and services that require newer software versions. Over time, certain apps may stop working altogether, and you may encounter performance problems with your iPhone as well.

Additionally, if your iPhone encounters hardware issues, you may find it difficult to get repairs or replacements from Apple or authorized service providers as they gradually phase out support for older models. Hence, it’s best to keep your device up-to-date and ensure it’s still supported by Apple.

What are the obsolete and vintage iPhones?

When we consider the question, “How many years does Apple support iPhones in terms of hardware,” here’s what the Apple Support website states:

“Owners of iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Vision Pro and Beats products may obtain a service and parts from Apple service providers for a minimum of five years* from when Apple last distributed the product for sale.”

This support may extend for up to seven years, depending on parts’ availability.

So, if your iPhone was still being sold by Apple up to seven years ago, you could most likely get it fixed if you face any issues. This is where we need to consider Apple’s list of obsolete and vintage iPhones.

Obsolete iPhones are those whose sales were discontinued by Apple more than seven years ago, and because of this, hardware servicing is no longer available for them. Similarly, there are Vintage iPhones. These are those that have not been sold for more than five years (but less than seven years). Apple can still service these devices, provided it has access to the needed parts.

Let’s see which iPhones belong to these categories.

What is the oldest iPhone still supported?

At the time of writing this—in August 2024—Apple still supports iOS 15, which means the iPhone 6S is the oldest supported device. However, this model is also on Apple’s vintage list, so I recommend upgrading your device. The same applies to the first-generation iPhone SE.

With the expected release of iOS 18 later in 2024, support for iOS 15 is likely to end, meaning that only iPhone 8 and newer models (released in September 2017) will continue to receive updates.

Since Apple has discontinued support for iOS 12, the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and 6 Plus no longer receive software updates. Therefore, if you own an iPhone 6 or an older model, upgrading your iPhone is advisable.

Which iPhones are compatible with Apple Intelligence?

In June 2024, Apple announced Apple Intelligence, which is all set to revolutionize how you interact with your iPhone.

This advanced technology requires significant processing power, so it can only work on the latest iPhones. Currently, only the iPhone iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are compatible with Apple Intelligence.

Of course, the upcoming iPhone 16 models are also expected to support this new technology.

Signing Off…

Apple does a great job when it comes to offering support on its iPhones. Thanks to this, you know your money is being invested in technology that will serve and last you well. In addition, it also makes it worth it to buy an iPhone that’s a couple of years old—unless you absolutely need the latest and greatest hardware and software experience.

You can save this guide and refer to it whenever you want to check how long your iPhone will be supported. If you have further questions, let us know in the comments below.

Read more:

• iPhone OS 1 to iOS 18 – A brief history of the iPhone software
• Best places to buy refurbished iPhones