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Apple Dropping Support for Older iPhones

By iPad Pete 40 Comments

Many people hold onto their iPhones for years, since they aren’t “early adopters” who must always buy the latest thing as soon as it comes on the market. An iPhone that can handle basic tasks like email, texting, video chat, web browsing plus games and movies is adequate for their needs.

It’s common for folks to get hand-me-down iPhones from relatives who have already gone onto the next shiny object. Older models hold up quite well, so this is an economical move. Apple itself sells discounted, refurbished iPhones that it buys from customers who want to upgrade to the latest.

If you only buy a new iPhone every 3 years or so, or if you typically wind up receiving an iPhone when a loved one discards an older model for an upgrade, it’s worth keeping tabs on whether Apple’s software will continue to work on older models.

Apple provides support for older models, but only up to a certain point. You’ll definitely want to upgrade your iPhone’s operating system when the company issues updates for security purposes, as long as your phone can run the software.

The latest version of the operating system for iPhones, iPads and the iPod Touch is iOS 14. When Apple releases version 15 of iOS sometime in 2021, according to 9to5Mac, there is a rumor that the company will stop supporting the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone SE (first generation).

9to5Mac based its coverage on a report from The Verifier, which isn’t always correct in its predictions about iPhones. However, previous reports from The Verifier were accurate in predicting Apple would stop giving updates beyond iOS 12 to the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6. So, it’s prudent to pay attention to the rumor, as it might affect whether you keep using your current phone next year.

Apple Supports Older iPhones for a Limited Time

It’s natural for a company to want to encourage its customers to buy new versions of its products. And Apple cannot reasonably be expected to support extremely old iPhones forever. That’s because security issues and their fixes can become incompatible with older equipment running vastly outdated operating systems.

For context, Apple introduced the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus near the end of 2015. The iPhone SE first-generation model came out in early 2016. That represents at least 4 years of support and upgrades to users, through 2020. You might find that to be a decent enough amount of time to use your iPhone before needing to get a new one.

While you might not be ready to upgrade your iPhone to a new model next year, just be aware that the software running on your older model will eventually stop receiving updates from Apple.

That means you might stop being able to run your favorite apps if they need to work with the latest operating system. You also will no longer benefit from security updates. For many, that’s when it’s time to upgrade because they want to protect their data from being stolen by cybercriminals.

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Filed Under: Features, Tech News

Comments

  1. Jane Barbour says

    at

    Your I phones are so expensive that many can’t afford to upgrade

    Reply
    • Barbara Davis says

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      I just bought my SE last summer. They just started advertising it last year not fair to call it 4 years old.

      Reply
      • Sandee says

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        I have an IPhone SE (2’nd generation) released in 2020

        Reply
    • Beverly Carrino says

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      That’s for sure and besides that I like my phone and don’t want to have to learn how to use another phone. This totally sucks . I don’t want a new phone that I can’t afford. Hi

      Reply
  2. Cheryl A Weaver says

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    Sad to hear this. My husband has an iPhone 6. I think what we pay in monthly charges should be ample to allow all benefits of the current iPhone. When we change, might have to look elsewhere, I feel like I am being held captive to buy a new phone.

    Reply
    • Linda Coker says

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      that’s a ditto for me. The costs are way too high. When your on SS you just can’t afford to get new even if you want it. Mine is a 6+.

      Reply
  3. Joy Dundich says

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    Totally disappointed. Apple just wants to keep making money no matter what. People now a days can’t afford a Apple Phone let alone to have to keep upgrading just to be able to get the current version

    Reply
  4. Caroline Kluge says

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    I would love a new iphone but find the price hard to swallow. I hav no income other than Social Security.

    My first phone was a BlackBerry and I have been a loyal customer with AT&T for many years. I have an Ipad now. I have used a desktop until 3 years ago when my living arrangement changed. I am 82 and had to go into an assisted living facility because I can’t live alone. Three years ago I fell and have to use a walker. I depend on my iPhone and my iPad to mainly keep in touch (on Zoom) with my children. They live far away. Ft. Lauderdale, Tucson, and Erie, Kansas. Thanks for the good years.

    Reply
    • DIANE Jacqueline Dubock says

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      I agree I even have an I phone watch that alerts if I do have a fall Maybe if enough old folks request to keep their I phones they will give us the up dates and not throw us on the rubbish heap with the phones.

      Reply
  5. Winnifred P. Hebb says

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    I’m also in my 80’s. And on social Security. Apple not keeping me updated on my old devices is a shame for all of us that are unable to constantly upgrade to “newer and better.”

    Reply
  6. Williams Maureen says

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    What a shame! Everyone who can afford the latest version will have it regardless of whether The old one is supported or not. But, Many people simply cannot afford to update. Your phone should be updated as long as you have it Dash no exceptions. Shame on you.

    Reply
  7. Victoria M Perez says

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    With every update my iPhone 8+ doesn’t ring when I get phone calls
    I am the only one out there?

    Reply
    • Bobbie says

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      My IPhone 8 also doesn’t ring sometimes plus it won’t alert me when I get a text!! I upgraded to the 8 because my iPhone 6 was doing the same thing!!! So frustrating. And all they say about it is it must’ve the carrier’s fault. I’m thinking about an Android – shame on you Apple for not taking care of your loyal customers…

      Reply
    • Nancy says

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      You have to turn your phone off and back on occasionally to fix that.

      Reply
    • E. Orbovich says

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      No, you are not alone. I also am having the same problem. I thought I had done something wrong with the settings, but no it’s not that. I do not know how to fix it. And oddly enough, neither does Apple, except buy a new phone.

      Reply
  8. Shockey Mary Ann says

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    As the saying goes, “The rich get richer and the poor get poorer”! I upgraded from a 6S Plus to a XR in the fall of 2019, upgrading my husbands phone from a 5S to my 6S Plus, thinking we would have a couple of years use before having to buy a new one again. We also upgraded my iPad last year as it was an older model. My husband’s iPad will probably be replaced in 2021. He is 82 and still works, I am 80 and retired because my job moved out of state and we did not want to relocate. Even tho he still works, we cannot afford a new phone every year, nor do we want the latest! It is sad that Apple expects people to upgrade every time they offer a new one! It would be nice but not practical for the older generation that struggles to make ends meet! I may rethink my next upgrade and check on a competitor for pricing and support!

    Reply
  9. Janet says

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    In the midst of a pandemic and enormous food lines and unemployment they want to do this??? Shame on Apple! It was bad enough when they cut my daily battery supply but this is just outrageous.

    Reply
  10. Maria Henley says

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    This was a rough year, and paying my bill was bad enough. Now to afford another IPhone will be a miracle. When you only get money once a month, we need help not more expense.

    Reply
  11. Gail Reynolds says

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    people simply cannot afford to update. Your phone should be updated as long as you have it .No exceptions. Shame on you.

    Reply
  12. Robert Phifer says

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    I agree with all the above customers. One of the attractions l have for iPhones is that they are very dependable and long lasting even though they are priced higher than other brands. I usually buy a 2 year old model because their prices are more in line with their value. This policy of not valuing your customers will force some of us to look elsewhere in a huge market. Don’t think I will recommend iPhones in the future. Customer service should mean something.

    Reply
  13. Kay Davis says

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    I don’t even have my 8 paid for & the battery is very week. Won’t hold a charge. That’s sad. Will soon not have an I phone when I can’t depend on it. Every update gets worse or me getting dumber at 78
    I’ve used both but Apple all their life. My whole family are mac people. But it’s a shame you don’t value our loyalty.

    Reply
  14. Marilyn Smith says

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    I trust that iPphone will consider offering an affordable trade in price adjustment just for its senior citizens 65 and older wo are on limited income. It is heart wrenching to disregard their needs which is, like one writer wrote, tossing them out like the outdated phones. Come on Apple, you can do the right thing, you’re better than this. .

    Reply
    • Ruth Osborne says

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      I agree!!! It is hard enough to pay the monthly fee for service.

      Reply
  15. Margaret Salazar says

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    my iphone. not only is it keeping me informed/Entertained/safe/it is a necessity. Makes me sad that I am getting very close to having no phone at all. cost of keeping updated is unaff☹️☹️ordable. especially being on a fixed income. its either Rent or a Phone. cant have both..

    Reply
  16. Pamela Webster says

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    As an Apple consumer since 1991 I have had very few complaints but I think they are seriously prejudiced against older users ( I will be 90 soon) and our length of service and loyalty means nothing. I will be consulting my nerd-children about choices I have. Hope I do not survive the extinction of the 8 .

    Reply
  17. Eileen says

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    I just bough the SE last month! Shame on you! I will not be buying another I phone.

    Reply
    • Sandi H says

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      Are you aware there is a NEW SE version? It came out in (I think) early 2020. I like the smaller size of my original SE & finally gave up waiting for the SE-2 so bought an 8–& SE-2 came out a few months later. Check to see which SE you have.

      Reply
  18. Pat says

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    Apple just wants us to keep buying new phones so they can make even more money!
    When your living on a fixed income, it’s very difficult to buy new Apple phones!

    Reply
  19. Elsie says

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    I agree with all of the above. Right now Apple is in a lawsuit. My phone didn’t hold the charge and I had to pay $100 to get that fixed a month ago. The price of new phones is outrageous. I’m 84 and haven’t had cost of living raise on my retirement wage for 12 years. How do you expect us to buy an 8-900.00 phone every couple of years. You should be ashamed❣️❣️

    Reply
  20. Sandy counts says

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    I have a 6s that I’m still paying for and does not connect to internet, so only works for calls and texts, very disappointed in Apple as I was forced to buy newer phone to use apps on the 6s, should not sell any phones not backed up, I’m on a fixed income so really hard buying a new phone wile paying for a phone not working right. I spent hours trying to fix problem, was told to up my internet connection, which is crap as all my other devices work just fine.

    Reply
  21. J Goldberg says

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    I have been readings the above comments and agree with all of them, I ave an iPhone that will be discontinued, My iPad is about 2-3 years old. These items are life savers for the elderly, poorer segment, children, etc: With the pandemic or not Apple should retract the new policy , For myself if they do so , I will try to find another brand that has features I want, With people on social security: out of jobs: having to do online business and schooling, Apple should be ashamed of themselves, By doing this does not necessarily selling more phones, All their reviews are not so terrific also

    Reply
  22. John Stephens says

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    Along with most people who commented I will for the first time look around to buy the next phone. I have always been a Apple customer but you have gone too far this time. Your greed has set me free. SHAME will be the outcome for this latest rip off.

    Reply
  23. BJ Maus says

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    Shame on you Apple! Went through the battery thing with the 6s which I gave to my 83 yr. old husband. I purchased the 8P. And a new IPad. Disappointed in Apple after years of supporting them by buying their products

    Reply
  24. Mzglorybe says

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    We have all things Apple in this house and have been satisfied with their customer service when needed. I cannot complain as to quality and service. We’ve been loyal customers for over 10 years. It’s great to be able to chat and ask a question when needed, even about older devices. In reading some of these comments, however, I can see how frustrating it can be especially in these times when this pandemic has unemployed so many and children need their devices for online schooling. Let’s all urge Apple to give their loyal customers incentives to stay with them. They can afford it and it’s the right thing to do.

    Reply
  25. Vicki says

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    I bought my I=phone SE just a few months ago. Why is it considered an old phone? It is the series 2!! I will not upgrade to another phone anytime soon. This SE is going to have to do me for a fee years.

    Reply
  26. Jim says

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    I was thinking about buying an iPhone. I use an iPad and I love it. With what I have heard about support being dropped or limited, I think I will rethink the idea of buying iPhones.

    Reply
  27. Cyndee says

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    If apple stops updates for older phones I personally will go to another company such as Samsung. I am tired of Apples dictating what they want me to do. I have had an apple since the first cell came out,this is the last straw for me. I’m sure I’m not the only one that leave Apple!

    Reply
  28. Nonie says

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    It’s a SHAME that Apple does not have a special rate for Seniors or at least allow all updates continue for all models!! GREED is deadly in the long run, and it’s a shame that Apple has no respect for those who are elderly and on a fixed income, it’s not like we want much but to be treated fairly, Apple reminds me of those who have become millionaires because of us Consumers and doesn’t mind removing the elderly out the way!! HEARTLESS!!

    Reply
  29. Pam says

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    I updated my iPhone 6SE to iOS 14. It killed my phone. I had to go to an iPhone 11 for size but if this happy bs continues on Apples part my next phone Will Not be an Apple. I am 70 and tire of these business practices really fast

    Reply
  30. Anne Harris says

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    So glad I read all of these remarks before getting a new phone . I love Apple products but am so disappointed in this lack of support for my phone( iPhone 6SPlus) . It has served me well , but I will buy another brand next time . Shame on you Apple , for Your lack of concern for your loyal customers . I will be 81 in January and need reliable communication <

    Reply

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