How Long Does Apple Support iPhones?

Most iPhones tend to get between six and eight years of support, which is way more than almost everything you can find in the Android sphere. If you want to update your iPhone or know if your current handset supports the latest iOS 18, you’ve come to the right place.

This article will answer how long Apple supports each iPhone model (including the iPhone 16), ensuring that the device receives the essential software and security updates. At the same time, we will show you which smartphones Apple has labeled as obsolete and vintage.

How long will my iPhone be supported?

To answer how long Apple supports iPhones, we must first understand what it means for a handset to get too “old.” Simply put, it’s a consequence of new demands on the internal components due to recent OS updates or new technical requirements from the latest apps.

When a new iOS update comes out, your device can no longer meet those demands. As a consequence, support stops at that moment.

Let’s compile all historical data about the support of every iPhone model, accompanied by release dates, discontinuation dates, and iOS compatibility.

Please take into consideration that support end dates are estimates and based on past releases with an average of 7 years of support. Therefore, they may be subject to changes in the future.

As you can see in the table, Apple ensures compatibility with the latest iOS 18 for older models, such as the iPhone XS, and iOS 16 compatibility for handsets as old as the iPhone 8.

Don’t hesitate to look at the complete iPhone stats page on RefurbMe, where you can find additional information about prices, days from release to refurbishment, and average discounts on all our Apple products, among others.

Finally, Apple is still pushing critical security updates on iOS 15 for supported devices. As we’ll see in the following section, other models become obsolete, and Apple’s official support ends there.

What are the obsolete and vintage iPhones?

When considering how long Apple supports older iPhone models, we must first read the company’s words. In this article, Apple states:

Owners of iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, or Apple TV products may obtain service and parts from Apple service providers, including Apple Retail Stores and Independent Repair Providers, for a minimum of 5 years from when Apple last distributed the product for sale.

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty. Apple Support.

You could extend this support for up to seven years, depending on the availability of parts.

Obsolete iPhones list

Obsolete iPhones are discontinued models with more than seven years in the market and are the following:

• iPhone (the original)
• iPhone 3G
• iPhone 3GS
• iPhone 4
• iPhone 4S
• iPhone 5C
• iPhone 5S
• iPhone 6 Plus
• iPhone 6S
• iPhone 6S Plus (32GB)

Vintage iPhones list

Vintage iPhones are those that have not been sold for more than five years (but less than seven years):

• iPhone 4 (8GB)
• iPhone 5
• iPhone 6
• iPhone SE
• iPhone 8 Red
• iPhone 8 Plus Red
• iPhone X

It’s worth noting that 3G networks were shut down in the United States and will do so in additional countries as the 5G revolution continues to grow. Some carriers will no longer offer 3G service, and some users with old devices may need to upgrade to a newer device to avoid losing connectivity.

Which iPhones are compatible with Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence is Apple’s cutting-edge AI assistant, designed to revolutionize how you interact with your iPhone. It harnesses powerful algorithms and machine learning capabilities to provide personalized recommendations, seamless automation, and enhanced productivity features across the Apple ecosystem.

However, due to its advanced nature, Apple Intelligence requires significant processing power to deliver its full potential. As of now, only these iPhone models are equipped to handle its demands:

• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max

👉 Learn more: 20 best AI apps for your iPhone in 2024

Takeaway

In conclusion, we’ve seen that Apple’s support has been extended exceptionally over time. Even if its products can be more expensive than their Android counterparts, the cost-benefit ratio of having up to seven years of support can ease customers’ minds and make it worth it.

👉 Learn more: 6 Best Places to Buy Refurbished iPhones in 2024

We invite you to check out our compared refurbished iPhones on RefurbMe below. Buying refurbished products is the best way to save money when purchasing a smartphone, boost the circular economy, and get a completely functional device that has been thoroughly examined, warranty included:

+2 deals

iPhone SE 2

Unlocked
64GB storage
Black

Fair condition, by Gazelle

$105

new $399 -74%

View deals

+1 deals

iPhone SE 2

T-Mobile
64GB storage
Black

Fair condition, by Gazelle

$106

new $399 -73%

View deals

iPhone SE 2

T-Mobile
64GB storage
Red

Fair condition, by Gazelle

$110

new $399 -72%

View deal

Compare all Refurbished iPhone

We will update this post whenever a new iPhone or iOS version comes out, or any iPhone is classified as vintage or obsolete, so don’t forget to save or bookmark this page and return from time to time.

See you soon!