When Does an Old iPhone Become a Security Risk?

Im a big advocate for keeping your tech as long as possible.

I still have my original Touch Bar MacBook Pro, and I plan to run it into the ground.

But one legitimate reason to upgrade your tech is when a company stops supporting it with security updates.

That begs the question: How long can you use an iPhone before its a security risk?

Security updates keep you and your devices safe

Im not talking about feature updates, mind you.

Sure, its a bummer when your iPhone stops gaining the latest features Apple has to offer.

But its still perfectly usable as-is.

Lets say you have a smartphone whose OEM dropped support for completely.

Either way, this vulnerability exists, and its putting users at risk.

But, because your equipment isnt on that list, it will remain unprotected.

Thats the point where even someone like me will admit its time to upgrade to a new gear.

Cybersecurity is no joke.

Now, Android devices often have fixed dates for when OEMs drop support.

Companies like Google and Samsung give their newest devices a guaranteed five years of security updates.

While Apple never gives its products an end-of-life timeline, they do support them for alongtime.

Apple supported the iPhone 6S, for example, with full software updates through iOS 15.

Apple still issues security updates for the 6S, as well as any other unit stuck on iOS 15.

In fact, the company issues software updates for any iPhone stuck on iOS12.

We saw that with the most recent batch of software and security updates this week.

iOS 15.7.3 patches five vulnerabilities, while iOS 12.5.7 patches one.

However, the iPhones that are still running iOS 12 areold.

They include 2014’s iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, as well as 2013’s iPhone 5S.

Its not just the iPhone that benefits here, either.

But its stillsafeto use these devices.