With Apple releasing new iPhone models every year, it’s only natural that older models will eventually reach the end of their supported lifetime and become obsolete. But which iPhones are nearing that fate, and when can we expect them to stop receiving software updates from Apple?
Factors that determine iPhone obsolescence
There are a few key factors that dictate when an iPhone model will become obsolete:
- Hardware capabilities – Older iPhones have lower resolution screens, smaller storage options, slower processors, etc. Eventually they lack the hardware needed to run new iOS versions.
- Software support – Apple typically provides 4-5 years of software updates for each iPhone model. When software updates end, that iPhone is considered obsolete.
- App support – New apps and app updates require the latest iOS version to run. When an iPhone is stuck on an older iOS version, its app support dwindles.
- Security updates – Running an unsupported iOS version means missing out on vital security patches. Using an obsolete iPhone becomes a security risk.
- Repair support – Apple and authorized repair centers focus on supporting recent iPhone models. Getting repairs for obsolete models becomes difficult.
With those factors in mind, we can determine which iPhones are most at risk of obsolescence currently and in the near future.
iPhone 6s and earlier – Already obsolete
Here are the iPhone models that Apple has already declared obsolete or is expected to obsolete soon:
- iPhone (1st gen) – Obsoleted after iOS 3
- iPhone 3G – Obsoleted after iOS 4
- iPhone 3GS – Obsoleted after iOS 6
- iPhone 4 – Obsoleted after iOS 7
- iPhone 4s – Obsoleted after iOS 9
- iPhone 5 – Obsoleted after iOS 10
- iPhone 5c – Obsoleted after iOS 11
- iPhone 5s – Obsoleted after iOS 12
- iPhone 6 – Obsoleted after iOS 13
- iPhone 6 Plus – Obsoleted after iOS 13
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus launched in 2015 are expected to stop receiving software updates after iOS 16, which indicates they will be obsolete within the next year.
iPhone SE (1st gen) – Obsolete by October 2023
Apple’s 2016 iPhone SE will likely be supported through iOS 17 but no further. With iOS 17 expected for release in Fall 2023, the original iPhone SE will reach the end of its software update lifespan and become obsolete before the end of 2023.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus – Obsolete by October 2024
The iPhone 7 series introduced some significant hardware improvements like water resistance and new camera features. But being from 2016, these models will age out of software support soon.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will likely be supported through iOS 18 in 2024 before being obsoleted.
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus – Obsolete by September 2025
Apple’s refreshed iPhone 8 design debuted in 2017. The A11 Bionic processor still performs decently today, but it won’t be supported forever.
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus will likely get software updates through iOS 19, which will arrive around September 2025.
iPhone X – Obsolete by September 2025
The iPhone X stands out for introducing edge-to-edge OLED screens, Face ID, and the gesture-based iOS navigation that’s standard today. But expect software updates to end in September 2025 after the release of iOS 19.
iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR – Obsolete by September 2026
The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR make up Apple’s 2018 iPhone lineup. Key additions were a faster A12 chip, eSIM support, and improved cameras.
These models should receive iOS updates through iOS 20 in 2026 before being obsolete.
iPhone 11 Series – Obsolete by 2027
2019’s iPhone 11 series added more cameras and improved performance with the A13 processor. The iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max will likely be supported through iOS 21 in 2027.
iPhone SE (2nd gen) – Obsolete by 2027
Apple revived the iPhone SE name in 2020 with the 2nd gen model. It has the A13 chip of 2019’s flagships but the small size of older iPhones.
The 2020 iPhone SE should be supported through iOS 21 like the iPhone 11 series before becoming obsolete in 2027.
iPhone 12 Series – Obsolete by 2028
The iPhone 12 family introduced 5G connectivity and OLED screens to non-Pro models. Powered by the A14 chip, the iPhone 12 series will likely receive software updates through iOS 22, expected for 2028.
iPhone 13 Series – Obsolete by 2029
2021’s iPhone 13 models added further camera advancements and made 120Hz ProMotion displays standard. These devices will likely get iOS support through iOS 23 in 2029.
iPhone 14 Series – Obsolete after 2030
As Apple’s current flagship iPhone lineup, the iPhone 14 series will get the longest software support span. Based on Apple’s update history, they will likely receive updates through iOS 24 in 2030 before being considered obsolete.
| iPhone Model | Release Year | Estimated Software Support End | Obsolete (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6s/6s Plus | 2015 | iOS 16 (Fall 2022) | Fall 2022 |
| iPhone SE (1st gen) | 2016 | iOS 17 (Fall 2023) | Fall 2023 |
| iPhone 7/7 Plus | 2016 | iOS 18 (Fall 2024) | Fall 2024 |
| iPhone 8/8 Plus | 2017 | iOS 19 (Fall 2025) | Fall 2025 |
| iPhone X | 2017 | iOS 19 (Fall 2025) | Fall 2025 |
| iPhone XS/XS Max/XR | 2018 | iOS 20 (Fall 2026) | Fall 2026 |
| iPhone 11 Series | 2019 | iOS 21 (Fall 2027) | Fall 2027 |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen) | 2020 | iOS 21 (Fall 2027) | Fall 2027 |
| iPhone 12 Series | 2020 | iOS 22 (Fall 2028) | Fall 2028 |
| iPhone 13 Series | 2021 | iOS 23 (Fall 2029) | Fall 2029 |
| iPhone 14 Series | 2022 | iOS 24 (Fall 2030) | Fall 2030 |
Buying an iPhone to avoid obsolescence
To get the longest lasting iPhone, follow these tips:
- Buy a current model like iPhone 14 – Will get updates for ~5 years
- Skip older models – iPhone 11 already halfway through update cycle
- Avoid buying used/refurb older iPhones – Will be obsolete soon
- Max storage for longevity – Lets you update iOS without space issues
- Get AppleCare+ – Extends repair support after warranty
Following the newest iPhones also gives you the latest features and best performance. And trade-in programs like Apple’s let you regularly upgrade to new models.
Future-proof your iPhone purchase
If you want to avoid obsolescence, consider these predictions for upcoming iPhones:
- 2023 – iPhone 15 series. Will be supported until ~2028.
- 2024 – iPhone 16 series. Supported until ~2029.
- 2025 – iPhone 17 series. Supported until ~2030.
Buying a current iPhone virtually guarantees at least 5 more years of full software support and app compatibility before obsolescence. So purchasing an iPhone 14 or later will safely future-proof your investment.
Conclusion
Older iPhones from the iPhone 6s and earlier have already reached obsolescence. In the next couple years, we can expect the iPhone SE (1st gen), iPhone 7/7 Plus, and iPhone 8/8 Plus to join that obsolete list as Apple ends software updates for those models.
To avoid your iPhone becoming obsolete anytime soon, stick to newer models like the iPhone 12 family or newer. The iPhone 14 series will get the longest software support life span, keeping it relevant for over 5 years.
Make your next iPhone purchase carefully based on expected obsolescence timeframes. Targeting newer models virtually guarantees your iPhone will stay usable and supported for years before being considered obsolete.