Still using iPhone 5s? Apple declares device 'obsolete' what it means for users

iPhone obsolete list

If you’re still using an iPhone 5s, it’s time for a reality check: Apple has officially declared the device 'obsolete'. But what does this mean for users?

Apple periodically updates its list of products it considers 'obsolete'. These are items the tech giant stopped selling more than seven years ago. The iPhone 5s, launched in September 2013 to much fanfare, is now among them. Back then, it was lauded as 'the most forward-thinking smartphone in the world' thanks to its A7 chip, making it the first smartphone with a 64-bit desktop-class architecture for blazing-fast performance. The device topped sales charts in the UAE and worldwide for a significant period.

The iPhone 5s has been a reliable phone for many, which is why some users might still be holding onto it more than a decade later. However, being tagged as 'obsolete' by Apple means several significant changes:

1. No Hardware Repairs and Services: Apple will no longer offer any hardware repairs or services for the iPhone 5s.
2. No Parts Available: This includes essential components like batteries, which can no longer be replaced.
3. No Software or Security Updates: The outdated hardware of the iPhone 5s means it won't be able to receive or install any new software or security updates.

In addition to the iPhone 5s, several other models have also been classified as 'obsolete':

- iPhone
- iPhone 3G (China mainland) 8GB
- iPhone 3G 8GB, 16GB
- iPhone 3GS (China mainland) 16GB, 32GB
- iPhone 3GS (8GB)
- iPhone 3GS 16GB, 32GB
- iPhone 4 CDMA
- iPhone 4 CDMA (8GB)
- iPhone 4 16GB, 32GB
- iPhone 4 GSM (8GB), Black
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 4S (8GB)
- iPhone 5C
- iPhone 6 Plus

Before being classified as 'obsolete', devices are first tagged as 'vintage'. These are products that haven’t been distributed for sale for more than five but less than seven years. Vintage devices can sometimes still receive repairs, depending on parts availability. The following iPhone models are currently on the 'vintage' list, indicating they could soon turn 'obsolete':

- iPhone 4 (8GB)
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6s (32GB)
- iPhone 6s Plus (32GB)
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 8 Red
- iPhone 8 Plus Red

For users of these older models, it's a good idea to consider upgrading to newer devices to ensure continued support and access to the latest features and security updates.