Apple has just announced they’re making another one of their older iPhone models obsolete – here’s what it means if yours is on the list.
Trying to keep up with the constant release of new iPhone models is tiring. It barely feels like months after update your mobile and the tech giant are already unveiling a newer – and even flashier – model.
Maybe you’re tempted to jump off the never ending iPhone rat race and make do with your current phone? It may get a bit laggy after a couple of years, and the battery isn’t what it used to be, but at least you’ll be saving money, right?
Well, unfortunately, the make do and mend approach also has a shelf life, as Apple is consistently making older handsets ‘obsolete’.
(Faris Hadziq/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
What happens when a phone becomes obsolete
As dramatic as it sounds, your phone won’t just explode into a cloud of smoke when it becomes obsolete.
It just means that you’ll be screwed if your phone does end up breaking, as Apple won’t be carrying the parts to fix it anymore.
“Products are considered obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 7 years ago,” an explainer on the Apple website reads.
“Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products.”
Of course you could always try and order the parts and fix it yourself or take it to a third party repair shop, but you’ll be on your own if something goes wrong.
What phones are now on the list?
A general rule of thumb is that a product usually becomes obsolete around 10 years after it was made, with the current list of obsolete models being:
- 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 5S
- iPhone 6 Plus
What phones are set to join the list?
(Wang Gang/Visual China Group via Getty Images)
If you’re the owner of an iPhone 6, you might want to look at your upgrade options.
Released back in September 2014 (16, 64 and 128GB models), the phone has been classed as a vintage model for a number of years – but it would appear it’s time is up.
While it is yet to be officially added to the obsolete list on Apple, reports in The Sun and MailOnline suggest its heading that way.
Might be time to treat yourself to a new phone.
LADbible have contacted Apple for comment.