The landscape of smartphones changes rapidly, and Apple is no exception. Every year, new iPhone models hit the market, which means older versions can become obsolete. An obsolete iPhone won’t receive support or updates from Apple anymore, making it less secure and functional.
Many people may be using iPhones that have quietly slipped into obsolescence, affecting performance and user experience. It’s crucial to know if your current device has reached this status. This helps you stay informed about potential risks and decide if it’s time to upgrade.
With the constant push for newer, faster devices, some iPhones get left behind. Knowing which models are obsolete can save you from running an outdated phone. Let’s explore which iPhone models are now obsolete and why staying up-to-date is important for your tech safety.
📱 1. What Does “Obsolete” Mean?
A phone becomes obsolete when the manufacturer stops providing software updates, security patches, and official repair support.
That means:
- No new iOS or Android updates
- No security fixes — making the device vulnerable
- Parts and repairs may no longer be available
- Apps may stop working due to outdated operating systems
🧭 2. Why Phones Become Obsolete
Several factors drive smartphone obsolescence:
- Hardware limitations (older processors can’t handle new software)
- Planned obsolescence — manufacturers phase out support to push upgrades (FasterCapital)
- Network changes (e.g., 3G shutdowns)
- Battery and part shortages
🍎 3. Apple iPhones That Are Obsolete in 2025
According to AppleScoop (2025), Apple’s official “obsolete” list includes devices that are over seven years old and no longer eligible for service or updates.
Officially Obsolete iPhones (as of 2025)
- iPhone (Original, 2007)
- iPhone 3G / 3GS
- iPhone 4 / 4S
- iPhone 5 / 5C
- iPhone 6 / 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s / 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st Gen, 2016)
- iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
Near-Obsolete (Limited Support)
- iPhone 8 / 8 Plus
- iPhone X
These models no longer receive iOS 18, making them vulnerable to security risks.
🤖 4. Android Phones Going Obsolete in 2025
Android devices typically receive 3–5 years of updates, depending on the manufacturer.
Samsung
- Galaxy S10 series (released 2019) — last major update in 2023
- Galaxy Note 10 series — security updates ended mid-2024
- Galaxy A50 / A70 / A80 — no longer supported
Google Pixel
- Pixel 4 / 4 XL — support ended in late 2023
- Pixel 4a — final security update expected early 2025
- Pixel 5 — last update expected December 2025
OnePlus
- OnePlus 7 / 7T series — final updates in 2024
- OnePlus 8 — nearing end of support in 2025
Other Brands
- LG phones (since LG exited the smartphone market in 2021)
- Huawei devices without Google services are effectively obsolete in Western markets
📶 5. Network-Related Obsolescence
Many older phones are becoming unusable due to carrier network shutdowns:
- 3G networks have been shut down in the U.S., U.K., and most of Europe.
- Phones that don’t support 4G LTE or VoLTE can no longer make calls or access data.
If your phone only supports 3G, it’s functionally obsolete even if it powers on.
🔒 6. Security and App Compatibility
Older phones lose access to:
- Banking and payment apps (require newer OS versions)
- Messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram (drop support for old Android/iOS versions)
- Browser updates, exposing users to security risks
Example:
WhatsApp ended support for Android 5.0 and below and iOS 12 and below in 2024.
💡 7. How to Check if Your Phone Is Going Obsolete
- Check your OS version:
- iPhone → Settings > General > About
- Android → Settings > About Phone > Software Information
- Compare with the latest version:
- iOS 18 (2025)
- Android 15 (2025)
- Visit manufacturer support pages to confirm update eligibility.
- Look for security patch date — if it’s over 6 months old, your phone is at risk.
🔁 8. What You Can Do
- Backup your data before support ends.
- Install a lightweight custom ROM (Android only) like LineageOS for extended life.
- Use as a secondary device for offline tasks (music, camera, etc.).
- Recycle or trade in your old phone responsibly through manufacturer programs.
🧭 9. What’s Next?
As newer technologies emerge — like AI-driven wearables, AR glasses, and brain-computer interfaces — traditional smartphones are slowly being replaced (Daily Galaxy, 2025; CEO Today).
However, for now, upgrading to a 4G or 5G-compatible phone with at least 3 years of OS support remains the best move.
✅ Summary: Key Takeaways
| Brand | Models Now Obsolete | Models Nearing Obsolescence |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone 6s, SE (1st), 7, 7 Plus | iPhone 8, X |
| Samsung | Galaxy S10, Note 10 | Galaxy S20 |
| Pixel 4, 4a | Pixel 5 | |
| OnePlus | 7, 7T | 8 |
| Others | LG, older Huawei, 3G-only phones | — |
Key Takeaways
- Certain iPhones no longer receive updates or support.
- Knowing if your iPhone is obsolete helps plan for upgrades.
- Obsolete models may expose you to security risks.
Evolution and Obsolescence of iPhone Models
iPhones have evolved significantly over the years. With each new release, Apple improves features, but older models eventually become obsolete due to lack of updates.
Generational Changes and Support Lifespan
Each iPhone generation brings advancements. The iPhone 3G introduced 3G data. The iPhone 4 came with a retina display. Models like the iPhone 6S added features such as 3D Touch. However, as new models are released, older ones stop receiving software updates. Typically, iPhones get major iOS updates for about five years. After that, they only receive critical security updates for a limited time.
Identifying Obsolete iPhone Models
Obsolete iPhones no longer receive any software or security updates. Models like iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, and iPhone 6 are examples. These devices can’t support the latest iOS versions. As of late, any models older than the iPhone 7 are considered obsolete. Checking Apple’s official list is always a good idea to confirm.
Impacts of iPhone Obsolescence
When an iPhone becomes obsolete, it poses security risks. Without updates, vulnerabilities can’t be patched. Apps may also stop working or become unstable. Additionally, users might experience poor battery life and performance issues. Obsolete iPhones also have limited compatibility with new accessories and features, such as OLED displays and advanced camera technology found in newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro.
This cycle of obsolescence encourages users to upgrade, ensuring they can enjoy improved processors, better battery life, and the latest iOS features.
