Learn how many years Apple supports iPhones with iOS and security updates, which models still get updates, and when support typically ends.
In summary:
Macworld explores Apple’s iPhone support timeline, revealing that iPhones typically receive major iOS updates for 5-7 years and security updates for up to 7-8 years total.
The iPhone 11 from 2019 is the oldest model compatible with iOS 26, while iPhone XS and XR models will lose support around 2026-2028.
Users should avoid purchasing iPhone XS, XR, and older models due to upcoming incompatibility and security vulnerabilities from discontinued updates.
If you are thinking of buying an older generation or used/refurbished iPhone, or wondering whether it’s worth upgrading your current iPhone to a new one, one important factor to consider is how long Apple will continue to offer support for that handset. The good news is that Apple supports iPhones for a long time. In general, you can get seven to eight years of security-related software updates, while battery and other repairs are often available on five to seven-year-old handsets, according to Apple’s own Vintage and Obsolete categorizations. More on that below.
Read on to find out which iPhones are supported with the latest operating systems, and which are supported for servicing and repairs.
Macworld’s advice: The iPhone XS and XR and any older iPhone should be avoided as they can’t run the 2025 iOS update: iOS 26.
Important update: In January 2026 Apple issued a critical security patch for iOS 26. A security patch was also issued for iPhones running iOS 18 that are unable to update to iOS 26. However, those running iOS 18 on iOS 26-compatible phones are being forced to upgrade to iOS 26, or risk the security threats. How long does Apple support iPhones with iOS updates?
Seven years: Apple supports some iPhones that can’t run the latest version of iOS with security updates. Currently there is such support for iPhones from 2018.
Apple generally provides major iOS updates for iPhones for approximately five to six years, though security-related support often extends even longer. While Apple does not officially guarantee a specific duration, its historical track record shows a consistent commitment to long-term device viability, with up to eight years of cover in the past.
It is important to distinguish between major iOS version updates (which bring new features and interface changes) and security-only updates, though.
Major iOS Updates: You can expect an iPhone to be compatible with the latest version iOS typically for around 5–7 years. The iPhone 11, released in late 2019, can run iOS 26, although not every feature will run on older iPhones.
Security Updates: That doesn’t mean older iPhones are not supported by Apple. The company continues to provide critical security patches for older versions of iOS for several years after they stop receiving new features. This can extend the total “safe” lifespan of a device to nearly a decade. The iPhone XR and XS, launched in 2018, did not receive the 2025 update, iOS 26, but Apple has issued security updates for those phones via iOS 18.
Device specific updates: A key change is that with release of the iOS 18 security update in January 2026 was specific to those iPhones unable to run iOS 26. This means that those running iOS 18 on a phone compatible with iOS 26 needed to update to iOS 26 in order to get the security update for their iPhone. Previously the security update to an older version of iOS ran on any device running that version of the software.
It is unlikely that Apple will issue an iOS 17 specific update because all iOS 17-compatible iPhones can run iOS 18, so Apple would encourage anyone running iOS 17 to update to iOS 18 to get the security update.
