Clarification
No iPhone will physically stop working in 2026. Even an iPhone 6 can still make calls, send texts, and browse the web. What changes is software support. Apple periodically ends new iOS versions for older models, and later ends their security updates too. Over time, that affects performance, security, and app compatibility.
Use the table below to see where your iPhone stands today.
Quick Answer - Does My iPhone Still Get Updates?
| Your iPhone |
Supports iOS 27? |
Security updates |
What it means |
| iPhone 11 and newer, including iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Gen) |
Yes |
Yes |
Fully supported today |
| iPhone XS, XS Max, XR |
No (last version: iOS 18.7.11) |
Yes (latest update: October 26, 2026) |
Fine to keep for now; start planning an upgrade |
| iPhone 8, iPhone X |
No (last version: iOS 16.7.16) |
Latest update: May 2026 |
Plan an upgrade soon |
| iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, iPhone SE (1st Gen) |
No (last version: iOS 15.8.8) |
Latest update: May 2026 |
Plan an upgrade soon |
| iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 |
No (last version: iOS 12.5.8) |
Latest update: January 2026 |
Upgrade; these are the oldest models still getting patches |
| iPhone 5c and older |
No |
None since 2019 or earlier |
Upgrade; not suitable for banking or work apps |
Update dates are as of November 6, 2026. We use Apple’s official Security Releases page as our only source for security update dates, so the dates match Apple’s own records. Apple can end support for any model at any time, so treat the "What it means" column as guidance, not a promise.
📌How to check your iPhone model and iOS version
- Open Settings, then tap General, then About. The Model Name line shows which iPhone you have.
- Go back to General and tap Software Update. It shows your current iOS version and whether an update is available.
- Find your model in the table above to see whether it supports iOS 27 and still gets security updates.
Understanding iOS Updates
iOS updates add new features, fix bugs, and patch security holes. When Apple stops releasing new iOS versions for a model, that phone no longer gets new features. If Apple also stops its security updates, the phone becomes less safe over time and may run into problems with newer apps.
Understanding Security Updates
Even after an iPhone stops getting the latest iOS version (for example, the upgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 18), Apple may keep releasing security updates for a limited time. These updates fix critical vulnerabilities. Once a phone stops getting both iOS and security updates, it becomes increasingly exposed because it no longer benefits from Apple’s ongoing fixes.
Apple has kept patching older devices for a long time. On Jan 26, 2026, Apple released iOS 12.5.8 for models as old as the iPhone 5s, 13 years after its release in 2013, according to Apple’s Security Releases page.
Not Upgradable to the Latest iOS vs. Not Receiving Security Updates
There’s a difference between iPhones that don’t support the latest iOS and iPhones that have stopped receiving security updates.
- Not upgradable to the latest iOS: These iPhones can still receive critical security updates but can’t get new features, optimizations, or apps that require the latest iOS version.
- Not receiving security updates: These iPhones have reached the end of their support life cycle. They no longer get any updates from Apple, including critical security patches, so they are more vulnerable to security threats.
iOS 27: The Newest iOS
Apple announced iOS 27 in June 2026 and released it on September 14, 2026, as listed on Apple’s Security Releases page. It brings the new Siri AI, which needs an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. Apple’s version numbers now follow a pattern similar to the car industry, so iOS 27 is for the year 2027 and was released in the fall before 2027.
📌Extended Support Timeframe
Apple keeps the iPhone 11 series and the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) on the iOS 27 support list. That means iOS 27 reaches the iPhone 11 seven years after its September 2019 launch. Apple hasn’t said how much longer it will update these phones. For comparison, Google and Samsung have committed to seven years of updates on their recent flagship phones.
The lists below show where each iPhone model stands. In general, we recommend buying an iPhone that supports iOS 27 to get the most value. We split the models by whether they support the new iOS and whether they still get security updates.
iPhones That No Longer Get iOS or Security Updates
These models don’t support iOS 27, and Apple hasn’t released a security update for them in over a year.
| Model |
Release Date |
iOS Upgrade End* |
Final iOS Version |
Last Security Update** |
| iPhone |
June 29, 2007 |
February 2010 |
iPhone OS 3.1.3 |
February 2010 |
| iPhone 3G |
July 11, 2008 |
November 2010 |
iOS 4.2.1 |
November 2010 |
| iPhone 3GS |
June 19, 2009 |
June 2013 |
iOS 6.1.6 |
February 2014 |
| iPhone 4 |
June 24, 2010 |
June 2014 |
iOS 7.1.2 |
June 2014 |
| iPhone 4s |
October 14, 2011 |
June 2016 |
iOS 9.3.6 |
July 2019 |
| iPhone 5 |
September 21, 2012 |
June 2017 |
iOS 10.3.4 |
July 2019 |
| iPhone 5c |
September 20, 2013 |
June 2017 |
iOS 10.3.3 |
July 2019 |
* iOS Upgrade End means the date when this model was excluded from the next iOS.
** Last Security Update means the last security update this model received.
iPhones That Don’t Support iOS 27 but Still Got Security Updates in 2026
| Model |
Release Date |
iOS Upgrade End |
Last iOS Version |
Last Security Update |
| iPhone 5s |
September 20, 2013 |
June 2019 |
iOS 12.5.8 |
January 2026 |
| iPhone 6 / 6 Plus |
September 19, 2014 |
June 2019 |
iOS 12.5.8 |
January 2026 |
| iPhone 6s / 6s Plus |
September 25, 2015 |
June 2022 |
iOS 15.8.8 |
May 2026 |
| iPhone SE (1st Gen) |
March 31, 2016 |
June 2022 |
iOS 15.8.8 |
May 2026 |
| iPhone 7 / 7 Plus |
September 16, 2016 |
June 2022 |
iOS 15.8.8 |
May 2026 |
| iPhone 8 / 8 Plus |
September 22, 2017 |
June 2023 |
iOS 16.7.16 |
May 2026 |
| iPhone X |
November 3, 2017 |
June 2023 |
iOS 16.7.16 |
May 2026 |
| iPhone XS / XS Max |
September 21, 2018 |
June 2025 |
iOS 18.7.11 |
October 2026 |
| iPhone XR |
October 26, 2018 |
June 2025 |
iOS 18.7.11 |
October 2026 |
iPhones That Support iOS 27 and Get Security Updates
| Model |
Release Date |
iOS Version at Launch |
Support Latest iOS |
Receiving Security Updates |
Estimated Last iOS Upgrade |
| iPhone 11 |
September 20, 2019 |
iOS 13 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2027 |
| iPhone 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max |
September 20, 2019 |
iOS 13 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2027 |
| iPhone SE (2nd Gen) |
April 24, 2020 |
iOS 13 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2027 |
| iPhone 12 Mini / 12 |
October 23, 2020 |
iOS 14 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2028 |
| iPhone 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max |
November 13, 2020 |
iOS 14 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2028 |
| iPhone 13 Mini / 13 |
September 24, 2021 |
iOS 15 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2029 |
| iPhone 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max |
September 24, 2021 |
iOS 15 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2029 |
| iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
March 18, 2022 |
iOS 15 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2028 |
| iPhone 14 / 14 Plus |
September 16, 2022 |
iOS 16 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2030 |
| iPhone 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max |
September 16, 2022 |
iOS 16 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2030 |
| iPhone 15 / 15 Plus |
September 22, 2023 |
iOS 17 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2031 |
| iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max |
September 22, 2023 |
iOS 17 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2031 |
| iPhone 16 / 16 Plus |
September 20, 2024 |
iOS 18 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2032 |
| iPhone 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max |
September 20, 2024 |
iOS 18 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2032 |
| iPhone 16e |
February 28, 2025 |
iOS 18 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2032 |
| iPhone 17 |
September 19, 2025 |
iOS 26 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2033 |
| iPhone Air |
September 19, 2025 |
iOS 26 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2033 |
| iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max |
September 19, 2025 |
iOS 26 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2033 |
| iPhone 18 Pro / 18 Pro Max |
September 18, 2026 |
iOS 27 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2034 |
| iPhone Duo |
October 23, 2026 |
iOS 27.1 |
Yes |
Yes |
Sep 2034 |
“Estimated Last iOS Upgrade” is UpTrade’s estimate, not a commitment from Apple, and it can change.
Recommendations
If your iPhone doesn’t support iOS 27 or has stopped getting security updates, consider upgrading. The phone will still do basic jobs, but it faces more security risk and may become less compatible with new apps.
Upgrading doesn’t mean buying the latest iPhone. A Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone can give you iOS 27 support and security updates at a lower cost. Here are the models that support iOS 27 and get security updates, with links to the ones we cover:
We suggest checking the Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 12 first. It supports iOS 27, adds an OLED screen and 5G, and has recently been priced close to the Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 11. If you find a better offer on the iPhone 11, it is still a fair choice. If you want the lowest price and don’t mind a small screen, the Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone SE (3rd Gen) adds 5G.
What to Do Before You Switch Phones
- Back up your current iPhone so your photos, messages, and app data move over.
- Trade in the old phone if it has value. UpTrade has trade-in pages for older models.
- Compare Certified Used / Refurbished offers for a replacement. Check storage, condition, and carrier lock on each offer.
Used iPhone vs. Certified Used iPhone
A Used iPhone is typically sold as-is by an individual or reseller, often with no guarantee about its condition or function. It may have defects, wear, or hidden issues the seller doesn’t disclose.
A Certified Used iPhone is tested, inspected, and refurbished by a professional seller to meet set standards. These phones often come with a warranty and a return window, which lowers the risk compared with a regular used phone. Terms vary by seller, so check the exact offer.
How UpTrade Helps You Compare Offers
All sellers listed on UpTrade are Certified Sellers. We don’t list sellers we don’t know, and we focus only on offers from them instead of comparing every deal on the web.
We also align every refurbished product to the same condition standard (Fair, Good, Excellent, or Pristine), so you can compare offers apple to apple. Check each offer’s warranty, return, and battery terms before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will any iPhone completely stop working in 2026?
No. No iPhone will suddenly stop turning on or working in 2026. Even very old models can still make calls, send texts, and connect to Wi-Fi. What changes is software support: some models stop receiving iOS upgrades or security updates.
2. What does it mean when an iPhone is no longer supported by iOS?
It means one of two situations. A: The iPhone can’t be upgraded to the latest iOS version. iOS 27 is the latest, and models from the iPhone 5s through the iPhone XR and XS don’t support it. They stay on their old iOS versions but still receive security updates. B: The iPhone no longer gets new iOS versions and has also stopped receiving security updates, such as the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, and older generations.
3. Is there a difference between iOS upgrades and security updates?
Yes. iOS upgrades add new features and system improvements and usually arrive once a year (for example, from iOS 26 to iOS 27). Security updates focus on fixing vulnerabilities. An iPhone may stop getting new iOS versions but still receive security updates for a limited time.
4. Are iPhones that don’t receive security updates still safe to use?
They still work, but they are less secure. Without security updates, these iPhones are more vulnerable to malware and data breaches, and they may stop working with newer apps, especially banking, payment, and work apps. We don’t recommend using them long-term.
5. Why did Apple skip iOS 19 through iOS 25 and jump to iOS 26?
Apple changed its naming convention in 2025. It announced iOS 26 in June 2025 and released it that fall. Version numbers now follow a pattern similar to the car industry: iOS 27 is for the year 2027 and was released in the fall before 2027. That makes it easier to tell which version is current.
6. Which iPhones support iOS 27?
iOS 27 supports the iPhone 11 and newer, including the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Gen) and the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 Pro series, the iPhone Air, and the iPhone Duo. Apple released it on September 14, 2026.
7. Should I upgrade if my iPhone no longer supports iOS 27?
Yes, especially if your phone no longer receives security updates. A newer iPhone improves security and app compatibility and can improve battery life and performance, and you don’t need the newest model. On November 2, 2026, UpTrade’s starting prices for Certified Used / Refurbished iPhones were $100+ for the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) and $150+ for the iPhone 12. Prices change often and depend on storage, condition, and carrier lock.
8. Is the iPhone 11 still a good upgrade option in 2026?
Yes, but check the iPhone 12 first. The iPhone 11 supports iOS 27, receives security updates, and is a noticeable step up from the iPhone XR and XS at a much lower cost than newer models. Its main drawback is that it doesn’t support 5G. UpTrade’s price tracker shows Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 12 prices have dropped to about the same level as the iPhone 11, and the iPhone 12 adds 5G and an OLED screen.
9. What’s the difference between a Used iPhone and a Certified Used iPhone?
A Used iPhone is typically sold as-is with no guarantees. A Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone is professionally tested and inspected, and often comes with a warranty, which makes it safer and more reliable.
10. Are Certified Refurbished iPhones worth buying?
Yes, for most buyers. A Certified Refurbished iPhone gets the same iOS support and security updates as a new phone of the same model, at a lower price. Compare condition, warranty, and return terms on the exact offer before you buy.
11. How do I check whether my iPhone supports iOS 27?
Open Settings, tap General, then About, and look at the Model Name. If it is an iPhone 11 or newer, including the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) and later, it supports iOS 27. Then open General and Software Update to see your current version.
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