Apple is known for offering longer software support than almost any other smartphone brand. While many Android devices get only three to four years of updates, most iPhones enjoy 6 to 8 years of iOS and security updates. That’s one of the biggest reasons refurbished iPhones hold their value so well.
If you’re wondering how long your iPhone will receive updates — or if the new iPhone 17 series supports iOS 26 — this article has the answers. We’ll also look at Apple’s “vintage” and “obsolete” classifications, so you know when official service and parts availability may end.
What does “support” mean for an iPhone?
When we talk about Apple support, we’re referring to:
- Major iOS updates (new features and interface changes).
- Security patches (critical fixes that keep your data safe).
- Hardware service (repairs and spare parts while Apple still considers the model active).
Once an iPhone’s internal components can no longer handle the demands of the latest iOS or apps, Apple ends major update support — though security updates may continue for a while on older branches.
How long will each iPhone model be supported?
Here’s a timeline of iPhone releases, discontinuation, and their maximum iOS compatibility (with support estimates based on Apple’s historical 7-year average):
| Model | Release | Discontinued | Supported? | Max iOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone (2007) | Jun 29, 2007 | Jul 15, 2008 | ❌ | iOS 3 |
| iPhone 4S | Oct 14, 2011 | Sep 9, 2014 | ❌ | iOS 9 |
| iPhone 6S / 6S Plus | Sep 25, 2015 | Sep 12, 2018 | ❌ | iOS 15 |
| iPhone X | Nov 3, 2017 | Sep 12, 2018 | ❌ | iOS 16 |
| iPhone XR / XS / XS Max | 2018 | 2019–2021 | ❌ | iOS 18 |
| iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max | Sep 2019 | 2020–2022 | ✅ until ~2026 | iOS 26 |
| iPhone SE 2 | Apr 2020 | Mar 2022 | ✅ until ~2027 | iOS 26 |
| iPhone 12 series | Oct–Nov 2020 | 2021–2023 | ✅ until ~2027 | iOS 26 |
| iPhone 13 series | Sep 2021 | In production | ✅ until ~2028 | iOS 26 |
| iPhone SE 3 | Mar 2022 | Feb 2025 | ✅ until ~2029 | iOS 26 |
| iPhone 14 series | Sep–Oct 2022 | Feb–Sep 2023 | ✅ until ~2029 | iOS 26 |
| iPhone 15 series | Sep 2023 | Some in 2024 | ✅ until ~2030 | iOS 26 |
| iPhone 16 series | Sep 2024 | In production | ✅ until ~2031 | iOS 26 |
| iPhone 16e | Feb 2025 | In production | ✅ until ~2032 | iOS 26 |
| iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max / iPhone Air | Sep 2025 | In production | ✅ until ~2032 | iOS 26 |
Key takeaway: iPhone 11 and newer (plus SE 2nd/3rd gen) are safe buys in 2025 if you want at least several more years of iOS support. Older models, such as the iPhone XR/XS, stop at iOS 18, while the iPhone 8 and iPhone X max out at iOS 16.
What are Apple’s “vintage” and “obsolete” iPhones?
Obsolete iPhones list
Obsolete iPhones are models that Apple stopped selling more than seven years ago. Once a device reaches this stage, Apple and Authorized Service Providers no longer provide hardware repairs or replacement parts.
In short, while these devices may still function, they are outside Apple’s official support window and won’t receive future updates or service.
- iPhone (the original)
- iPhone 3G
- iPhone 3GS
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5C
- iPhone 5S
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6S Plus
Vintage iPhones list
Vintage iPhones are models that Apple stopped selling more than five years ago but less than seven years ago. These devices are no longer in full support, but repairs may still be available if replacement parts are in stock.
This means you might still be able to service a vintage iPhone through Apple or an Authorized Service Provider, but support is limited compared to newer models.
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone 6S Plus (except 32GB, which is obsolete)
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8, 64GB and 256GB models (128GB not yet listed)
- iPhone 8 (PRODUCT RED)
- iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT RED)
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
Why does iPhone support matter for refurbished buyers?
When buying refurbished, knowing support timelines is crucial:
- You want security patches and app compatibility for years.
- Supported models maintain better resale value.
- Choosing models within Apple’s active support window ensures future-proof performance.
At Keromobile, we only sell certified refurbished iPhones that are still supported by Apple, including iPhone 11 through iPhone 16/17 series, with:
- 12-month warranty
- 14-day free returns
- Certified quality checks
Takeaway
In conclusion, Apple has built a strong reputation for extending iPhone support far longer than most competitors. With six to eight years of software and security updates, iPhones often outlast Android devices in terms of usability and value.
Yes, Apple products may come with a higher upfront price, but the long support cycle, consistent performance, and resale value make them a smart long-term investment. For many users — whether buying new or refurbished — the reassurance of years of reliable updates makes the purchase worthwhile.