2024 List of Obsolete iPhones: What You Need to Know
As new technology evolves, older devices tend to get left behind. With a pair of new inventions, Apple is also releasing a new list of obsolete and vintage devices. These devices will no longer be supported for hardware services and software updates. Every year, new iPhones die for their own company, and as expected, Apple announced the list of these models that will no longer be supported or updated by the company. In the year 2024, the iPhone 6 Plus is going to be left behind by the company. It is a beautiful phone that was released in September 2014 with a large 5.5-inch HD Retina display, LCD, and a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels. If you’re holding this phone right now, it is time to understand the extensive support lifespan of iPhones through this article.
Obsolete vs. vintage iPhones
If your iPhone is no longer receiving iOS security updates, it can be a big deal. Which means your phone has the chance to appear on the list of the list of obsolete iPhones. In the most extreme case, your phone will be hacked by the attackers, or it will stop working optimally. In rare cases, your phone will slow down and be buggy. It is a time when your device can’t get any help from Apple.
According to the evidence, Apple usually stops supporting its devices when they’ve been discontinued for more than seven years. They add them to an obsolete list and no longer provide support or updates after that time. Remember that the end date of support may depend on past releases or may be subject to future innovations.
Another important term in the world of Apple is vintage iPhones, which haven’t been sold for more than five years but less than seven. According to Apple, the definition of vintage is that the owners of iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, Macs, or other Apple devices can only receive support from the company for five years after Apple last distributed the product for sale. The support can be extended up to seven years, which solely depends on the mood of the company. That means your device will receive iOS security updates during the duration. Apple might still offer some limited repair services for vintage iPhones. However, these options will become increasingly scarce over time, similar to obsolete iPhones.
Updated Obsolete iPhones List 2024
However, Apple’s support for the lasting model is remarkable because iPhones are more expensive than Android, and users need full coverage to maximize the value of their money. Despite the economic downturn, it is recommended to keep updating your Apple devices over time. As mentioned above, Apple announced plans to add the iPhone 6 Plus to its obsolete list, which means if you’re holding this phone, you’ll no longer be able to receive support or updates from the Apple Store. Here is an updated list of some obsolete iPhones.
- iPhone (original)
- iPhone 3G (all models)
- iPhone 3GS (all models)
- iPhone 4 (all models)
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5C
- iPhone 5S
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
Updated Vintage iPhones list
Changes may be less serious for vintage iPhones than for obsolete ones. However, these devices still face the dreaded obsolete stage of life. In the year 2024, the owners of the iPad Mini 4 should fasten their seat belts because Apple announced it would add it to its vintage list.However, Apple-authorized service providers will continue their support for two more years. After that, support for the iPad Mini 4 and a few other devices is expected to end. Which means soon they will be added to the obsolete list. In addition, Apple also added the iPhone 8 Red and iPhone 8 Plus Red to their vintage list. However, the other colors of the same models are safe for now.
Here is the list of vintage Apple devices for 2024.
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus (except for the 32GB model)
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 (Red)
- iPhone 8 Plus (Red)
Steps to Take Before Your iPhone Becomes Obsolete
The word “obsolete“ doesn’t mean that you can’t use your phone; instead, it means that you will no longer receive the assistants from Apple. If your iPhone is broken or you want to update it, but your phone is obsolete, then you can’t receive any software or hardware support from the company. Here are a few important points that you must understand.
- Your phone is now open for security vulnerabilities.
- The applications you already installed on your device will no longer receive any updates from the developers.
Despite all these facts, you can still get some benefits from your old version of the iPhone. Here are some important things you can do before your phone becomes obsolete. Planning ahead can help you smoothly transition to a new device when the time comes.
- Check obsolescence status. Visit Apple’s official website or contact Apple Support to determine if your iPhone is considered obsolete or vintage.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer, open iTunes, and select your device. Click “Back Up Now” to create a backup.
- Double-check all the updates available for your existing model.
- Don’t try to click on a built-in application like Safari because it will expose you to risk.
- Install VPN and wipe out all the unnecessary applications from your device.
Should You Keep Using an Obsolete iPhone?
While obsolete phones can still be used for various tasks, like calls, texts, or browsing, However, there are some drawbacks you may face while using obsolete iPhones. These include security risks, performance issues, limited functionality, and battery degradation. Obsolete and vintage are the strategies that Apple decides to use to manage the life cycle of the product. This approach ensures that Apple will always focus on providing new features and functions for their devices.
So if you’re keeping using the obsolete iPhones, it’s time to consider upgrading. While buying a new version of the iPhone may sound expensive, it will provide you with several benefits, including improved security, enhanced performance, access to new features, and better battery life. While you can technically keep using an obsolete iPhone, it’s not recommended due to the risks and limitations involved. Upgrading to a newer model will ensure that you have a more secure, efficient, and enjoyable smartphone experience.
