Apple Inc. has updated its list of obsolete and vintage iPhones and warned users to check if their devices are affected.
Owning an iPhone remains one of the best indicators of wealth among consumer products. Many people prefer buying an older iPhone they can afford rather than choosing a newer Android phone.
A 2016 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that iPhone ownership was the strongest indicator of wealth. 
So now that you have used your savings to buy an iPhone, the next question is, is it obsolete?
Apple’s latest update confirms that several popular models have reached the end of their life cycle or are close to losing full support. When an iPhone becomes obsolete, it still performs basic functions, the only difference is Apple stops providing software updates and hardware repairs. This leaves the device exposed to security risks, slower performance, and faults that Apple will no longer fix.
Cybersecurity experts also warn that unsupported phones are easier for hackers to target because they no longer receive security patches.
So, which iPhone models are now on Apple’s obsolete and vintage list?
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Obsolete iPhones in 2026
The devices on this list no longer receive official repairs, parts, or security updates, and they include the following:
- iPhone 3G and 3GS
- iPhone 4 and 4S
- iPhone 5C and 5S
- iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s and 6s Plus (32GB)
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
If you still use any of these models, your device faces higher risks of malware, hacking, and system failure.
Attackers can exploit these weaknesses to access sensitive information such as banking apps, emails, and personal files.
Vintage iPhones in 2026
iPhones on this vintage list will still receive limited support, but repairs and parts may be difficult to find. They include:
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone 6s (16GB, 64GB, 128GB)
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro Max
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iPhones That Support iOS 26
It takes approximately seven years for an iPhone to be classified as obsolete. The iPhone 11, released in 2019, is currently the oldest model to support iOS 26, though it is unlikely to receive major OS updates in the future.
Apple’s latest software, iOS 26, only works on these models, and they include the following.
- iPhone 12 series and newer
- iPhone 13, 14, 15, and 16 lineups
- iPhone 11 and 11 Pro models
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
Why Outdated iPhones Are Risky
Unsupported phones face several problems, such as:
- No security updates
- Higher risk of hacking and malware
- Slower performance
- App compatibility issues
- No official Apple repairs
What iPhone users should do
If your device appears on the obsolete or vintage list.
- Upgrade if your device is obsolete. A newer device helps protect your personal data, ensures better performance, and keeps your phone secure in 2026 and beyond.
- Consider buying newer or refurbished iPhones. They b offer a cheaper option while still receiving updates and security protection.
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