Will my apps still work if I don't do the update? As a rule of thumb, your iPhone and your main apps should still work fine, even if you don't do the update. If you do find your apps slowing, though, try upgrading to the latest version of iOS to see if that sorts the problem.
Sometimes updates are issued to keep devices running efficiently or to keep your personal information safe, but regardless of the reasons, installing the updates is always critical.
iPhones generally receive software updates for about 5 years, but that's not a hard rule.
If you can't upgrade to iOS 16, it also means you won't receive security updates to your iPhone, which could of course leave you at risk. Apple has been very proactive with iPhone security updates of late, pushing them out almost monthly over the last couple years.
iOS 16.0.
This update is recommended for all iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro users and provides important bug fixes including the following: iMessage and FaceTime may not complete activation.
You should stay using iOS 15 if: Restrictions on your device from a third-party prevent you from updating. You are concerned about an app or accessory not yet being supported in iOS 16. You are concerned about bugs and prefer to remain using an older OS that has had over a year of bug fixes.
All phones that could run iOS 14 and iOS 13 are able to run iOS 15, so that means all phones from iPhone 6s forwards are supported. But actually, Apple does support iOS 12 as well, which brings software support to the iPhones 6 and 5s.
In a related announcement last year, Apple announced that it would discontinue major updates for certain devices. These include the iPhone 6a, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, original iPhone SE model, final iPod touch, second-generation iPad Air, and fourth-generation iPad mini.
It is because most vulnerabilities are taken care of by iPhone's security features. But hackers get smarter every day and come up with new ways to hack iPhones. Software updates come with updated security improvements called “patches” based on the vulnerabilities found in the previous version.
After updating iOS, your iPhone storage may be full. Correspondingly, iPhone starts to slow down after the update. Unmatched versions of apps. If your iPhone slows down when you are using a certain app, the reason may be that this version of app cannot work well in the new iOS.
iPhone 7, 7 Plus. If you have an iPhone 7, it's time to upgrade. It's more than 6 years old, and it shows in everything from the processor to the camera and storage space. The iPhone 7 doesn't support iOS 16, providing even more incentive for acquiring a newer device.
On average, Apple supports each iPhone model for around six or more years. Earlier models, such as the 5/5C, only support up to iOS 10, while iPhone 6/6 Plus goes up to iOS 12. The iPhone 6S/6S Plus and later versions go up to the most recent version of iOS 15.
Mainstream software support for the iPhone 7 was dropped when iOS 16 was released. But, it still receives iOS 15 security updates (as of July 24, 2023). The current version of iOS to support iPhone 7 is iOS 15.7.8.
Top analyst and long-time industry insider Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple expects to replace the iPhone in just 10 years – by 2032. In its place would be an AR device – that's augmented reality.
The iPhone 6 is still a good phone in 2023. When it comes to performance in most apps, the iPhone 6 is still quick enough. However, for more intensive applications like games and photo/video editors, this older iPhone can struggle. For general use, however, the iPhone 6 is still quite capable.
The iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X are the notable models that will not make the cut. All three of these iPhones were released back in 2017. Needless to say, all older iPhones will not get the iOS 17 update either.
Last year, after the launch of the iPhone 14 lineup, the company discontinued the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max, the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 11 in several markets, including India. It was surprising to many users when Apple discontinued the Pro models last year.
The iPhone 7 was introduced in 2016, making it obsolete between 2021 and 2023. The iPhone 8 was introduced in 2017, making it obsolete between 2023 and 2024.
On average, iPhones last around two to three years. However, this number can increase or decrease depending on the individual phone & how it's used. Here are a few things that affect the lifespan of your phone: How often you use your phone.
If you plan to go straight to iOS 16, you don't need to download iOS 15.7 first. The bug fixes mentioned within the release notes are all contained within iOS 16 too.
iOS 15.6.1 security fixes
“Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited,” said the official statement on its support page. The iOS 15.6. 1 upgrade “provides important security updates and is recommended for all users,” Apple stated.
However, you might not be aware that there's a real danger in using an iPhone for too long. Specifically, if an iPhone can no longer run the latest version of Apple's iOS operating system, it will miss out on a lot of critical security updates. Vulnerabilities that remain unpatched can put you at risk.