By JKNewsMedia
SUPPORT FOR several iPhone models has ended after Apple updated its list of obsolete and vintage devices and urged customers to check whether their smartphones remain supported.
JKNewsMedia,com reports that when an iPhone becomes obsolete, Apple no longer provides hardware repairs or software security updates.
The company stated that this poses serious security risks as outdated devices can become vulnerable to cyber-attacks, malware infections and data breaches.
Without security patches, attackers could exploit vulnerabilities to access sensitive information such as banking details, online shopping accounts and personal data, the company also said.
Apple added that performance may decline over time, with older devices becoming slower, unstable and impossible to repair through its official channels.
Announcing it has added several models to its obsolete list, including the iPhone SE and iPhone 6s series, Apple said devices now considered obsolete include iPhone 3G and 3GS variants, iPhone 4 and 4S, iPhone 5C and 5S, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus 32GB, and iPhone SE first generation.
The company also said it has expanded its vintage list, describing these as devices that may still receive limited security updates and can be repaired, although parts are harder to source.
Newly added vintage models include iPhone X, iPhone XS and XS Max, and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Other vintage models include iPhone 6s 16GB, 64GB and 128GB, the iPhone 7 series and the iPhone 8 lineup.
Continuing, Apple said it has revised its iPad classifications, marking several older models as obsolete, including early iPad Air, iPad mini and multiple iPad Pro generations.
It says several newer iPads have been moved to the vintage category, meaning limited support remains.
The company also stated that iOS 26 is only available on newer devices.
Supported models include the iPhone 12 series and newer, iPhone 13, 14, 15 and 16 lineups, iPhone 11 and 11 Pro models, and iPhone SE second generation and later.
It adds that devices released before these models cannot run iOS 26, although Apple continues to provide iOS 18 updates for some older devices.
Consequently, users have been advised to check whether their iPhone is listed as obsolete or vintage adding that those found as obsolete devices be promptly replaced, while vintage devices may still receive limited updates but are nearing the end of support.
Meanwhile, JKNewsMedia.com reports that cybersecurity experts warned that unsupported iPhones face higher risk once vulnerabilities are discovered.
“Once a vulnerability is found by attackers, it can be rapidly exploited,” said Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, stressing the importance of keeping devices updated.
Consumers have also been encouraged to check devices used by family members, especially children and older relatives who may be less likely to monitor security updates.
While upgrading can be expensive, experts suggested considering refurbished or second-hand iPhones, which are more affordable and remain eligible for software updates, reports JKNewsMedia.com.
