APPLE brings out new iPhones every year so it can be hard to tell when your device is considered ‘old’.
Luckily, Apple reveals what iPhones are going to become obsolete or are already considered too old for new software updates.
Apple’s Support page states: “Products are considered vintage when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 5 and less than 7 years ago.”
The tech giant added: “Products are considered obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 7 years ago.”
It says that it “discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products” so you would never be able to get them fixed with official Apple parts.
Eventually, Apple stops producing software updates for older models.


Which iPhones are set to become obsolete?
The following iPhones are considered to be vintage:
- iPhone 4 (8GB)
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5C
- iPhone 6 Plus
Which iPhones are already obsolete?
Apple also published a list of all the iPhone models that are obsolete worldwide.
Here’s the full list:
- iPhone
- iPhone 3G (China mainland) 8GB
- iPhone 3G 8GB, 16GB
- iPhone 3GS (China mainland) 16GB, 32GB
- iPhone 3GS (8GB)
- iPhone 3GS 16GB, 32GB
- iPhone 4 CDMA
- iPhone 4 CDMA (8GB)
- iPhone 4 16GB, 32GB
- iPhone 4 GSM (8GB), Black
- iPhone 4S (8GB)
Apple says it designs its devices to be long lasting and you’re not expected to replace them every year.
However, once an iPhone stops supporting updates, it can become problematic to use.


If you’re not regularly getting certain security updates, you could leave your personal data vulnerable.
Apple does provide some support for certain obsolete products.
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