As the iPhone 16 launch date approaches, Apple has been relegating older models to the figurative trash pile. What does this mean? And what advice do tech experts have for those clinging on to outdated models?
We recently wrote about reports that the iPhone 5s, which came out in September 2013, has become obsolete. It follows the route taken by the iPhone 6 Plus, the iPhone 5C, and the iPhone 3GS, among others.
What does it mean when Apple relegates products to the ‘trash’ pile?
After half a dozen or so years, older models of the Apple iPhone receive the “obsolete” label, having spent the intervening period as “vintage” models.
For officially designated obsolete products, Apple doesn’t offer hardware services. Nor can service providers order parts from Apple for obsolete products. In other words, if an obsolete product breaks, it ain’t gonna get fixed.
That is, unless can do it yourself!
But there are other things to watch out for, too. As Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, explains, anyone with an iPhone that’s out of patch warranty is at risk from cyberattacks.
Tech expert offers sage advice for anyone dealing with iPhone obsolescence
It’s not that cyberattackers specifically target old iPhones. Most people use iPhones that are less than a few years old; those with obsolete models are in the minority.
However, Jake Moore adds that it’s still important to check your device for vulnerabilities. If your iPhone model is on Apple’s obsolete list, it’s more at risk to hackers, and to general security issues. That’s because obsolete devices eventually lose access to free Apple updates.
“Older iPhones still remain in circulation,” he says, quoted by Forbes. “Once a vulnerability is located, it can rapidly be exploited by attackers and directed at anyone with devices left unpatched.”
“If people are using iPhones that are out of patch warranty – although it’s frustrating – they should consider replacing them with a newer, more secure device.”
As of the time of writing, Apple no longer supports iPhones up to and including the iPhone 6 Plus. Meanwhile, its “vintage” list runs from the iPhone 4 (8GB) to the iPhone 8 Plus Red. This means there is some overlap when it comes to the numbers. We’ve included a link to the full list of vintage and obsolete models at the end of this article.
Replacing an obsolete model with the latest iPhone will be out of many Apple users’ price range. But refurbished items from recent product lines tend to be relatively affordable.
Even the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has a take on obsolete Apple iPhones
The NCSC offers guidance on numerous issues relating to security, and has several general recommendations for anyone using the iOS operating system, which powers the iPhone and iPod Touch.
These are mostly for companies and organizations using iOS. But some are relevant to individual customers. For example, it notes that, once a device becomes vintage or obsolete, it “no longer receives updates”.
“At this point you should purchase newer devices.”
Of course, this is only possible if doing so is within your financial means. But the advice broadly aligns with that of cybersecurity expert Jake Moore.
For a full list of which Apple products, including Mac laptops and desktops, Beats products and watches, are vintage or obsolete, visit Apple Support’s dedicated webpage on the subject.
