From the moment you unbox your shiny new iPhone, it starts to get old.
As time passes and new features and updates come out, your older iPhone can become obsolete. With technology evolving rapidly, how long can you use an old iPhone before it’s a security risk?
Apple’s iPhone software support lasts around a decade, and hardware support can be available for iPhones up to seven years old.
This article will explore Apple’s support for older iPhones, factors determining security risk in older iPhones, and other considerations when using an older iPhone.
Apple Support for Older iPhones
Apple never says exactly how long its products will last, but it supports them for a long time.
For example, Apple released software updates for the iPhone 6S until iOS 15. So, Apple supported the iPhone 6S with feature updates for seven years.
However, even though it no longer updates features for the iPhone 6S, it continues to issue security updates for any product that has been updated to iOS 12 and beyond.
So, even if you have an old iPhone 5S, Apple still provides security updates ten years later.
How Can I Protect My Old iPhone from Security Risks?
Using an old iPhone doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re at risk. Your device will remain secure for as long as Apple continues issuing security patches. Security patches will still be available even if you can’t update to the latest and greatest iOS features.
However, there are a few steps you can take to protect your older iPhone from potential security risks:
• Keep your operating system up to date by checking for software updates regularly.
• Use two-factor authentication and a strong passcode or biometric authentication to protect your device.
• Be aware of phishing scams and malicious apps that could compromise your phone’s security.
• Make sure to back up your data regularly so you don’t lose important files if something happens.
Other Considerations When Using an Old iPhone
There are other considerations to using an iPhone that old.
App developers will stop providing support and updates for their apps for newer iOS versions. So, if you have an older iPhone, apps may no longer work or may not be as secure.
In addition, the hardware of these older iPhones can become slow and unresponsive with age. So, even if your device is still receiving security updates, it won’t be much use if it’s too slow to operate efficiently.
Plus, the older hardware and lack of memory make running the apps that are still supported more difficult.
Battery life and performance issues are two other issues for older iPhones. Batteries become weaker over time and may cause your device to turn off without warning or cause other performance issues.
Also, if you have an older iPhone, it might not work as well with the latest accessories and features like AirPods or FaceID.
Conclusion
While I like to hold onto my technology for as long as possible (need a fax sent?), using an old iPhone can be a security risk and may not provide the best experience.
So, if you’re considering putting off getting a new iPhone, consider the pros and cons before making a decision.
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