These iPhones will not have access to Apple technical support

If you have been using an iPhone for a long time and have not upgraded to a newer model, it is important to note that there are certain devices that are no longer eligible for official repairs. These phones have reached the status of being considered obsolete, and Apple maintains an official list of devices that have reached the end of their repairable lifespan. In this post, we will provide you with the information regarding these devices.

iphone-obsolete

Apple Charts

Apart from iPhones that are no longer eligible for official repairs, Apple also maintains a list of devices that are considered vintage. To be classified as vintage, a phone must meet the criterion of being discontinued for at least five but less than seven years before the company ceases to provide repair parts. Here are the iPhone models that are no longer officially entitled to repairs:

  • Original iPhone, released in 2007
  • iPhone 3G, released in 2008
  • iPhone 3GS, released in 2009
  • iPhone 4, released in 2010
  • iPhone 4S, released in 2011
  • iPhone 5C, released in 2013

Iphone 5c

These models have not yet reached the threshold of seven years since their discontinuation, and therefore, Apple continues to provide official repair services for them. If you own one of these models, you can still access official spare parts and professional repair services for components such as the screen, battery, or buttons. It’s important to note that as time passes, these models will eventually be classified as obsolete and will no longer be eligible for official repairs:

  • 8GB iPhone 4 (This model was released later than the original iPhone 4 and was the entry-level iPhone for a time)
  • iPhone 5, released in 2012
  • iPhone 5S, released in 2013
  • iPhone 6, released in 2014
  • iPhone 6 Plus, released in 2014
  • iPhone 6S, released in 2015
  • iPhone 6S Plus, released in 2015
  • 32GB iPhone 6S (this model was released after the original iPhone 6S)
  • 32GB iPhone 6S Plus (this model was released after the original iPhone 6S)

iPhone 6s

That it is not updated, does not mean obsolete

One term that requires clarification to avoid confusion is the idea of an iPhone no longer receiving updates. Each year, Apple introduces new versions of iOS, and some iPhone models are left out, unable to access the latest features and updates.

However, it’s important to note that not receiving updates to newer iOS versions does not render these iPhones obsolete. There is a distinction between the device’s software lifespan and its hardware lifespan. While certain software features may not be available on older iPhones, many functionalities still work perfectly fine. It’s worth highlighting that Apple’s classification of “vintage” devices is based on the hardware’s end of life, specifically when repairs are no longer provided officially.

If you have an older iPhone that is still functioning well, even if it is included in the list of vintage devices, rest assured that it will continue to work as it has been. So, you can continue to enjoy your iPhone in its “old school” glory without any concerns.