By Jenefey Aaron

Updated on 2025-03-14

100 % Helpful

iPhone Tips

When Will iPhone 6/7/8 be Obsolete? [iPhone Obsolete State]

By Jenefey Aaron

2025-03-14 / iPhone Tips

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The iPhone 7 was launched by Apple on September 7, 2016, marking a major upgrade from the previous iPhone 6s.

Announced at a media event in San Francisco, the iPhone 7 introduced several new features like water and dust resistance, an upgraded camera, and no headphone jack. It came in two variants - the 4.7-inch iPhone 7 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 7 began on September 9, 2016 with the official release on September 16. To protect the new iPhone 7, Apple and third-party vendors launched various cases and covers.

The iPhone 7 cases came in different materials like silicone, leather, plastic, and even wood. There were wallet cases, battery cases, and rugged cases available for consumers to choose from.

Part 1: What Does “iPhone Obsolete State” Mean?

Part 2: How to Check if Your iPhone 6/7/8 is Obsolete?

Part 3: Update Your Obsolete iPhone’s iOS - Tenorshare ReiBoot

Part 4: What to Do Before Your iPhone 6/7/8 Becomes Obsolete?

Part 5: How to Install Apps on an Obsolete iPhone?

Part 6: FAQs about iPhone Obsolete State

Part 1: What Does “iPhone Obsolete State” Mean?

The iPhone 6s launch date given by Apple was September 25, 2015. It introduced features like 3D Touch and 4K video recording. When was the iPhone 7 launched? The iPhone 7 Plus, which offered dual rear cameras, went on sale on September 16, 2016.

When an iPhone model becomes obsolete, it means that Apple no longer supports it with software updates or repairs. Obsolete iPhones are typically 6-7 years old from their release. They are not able to run the latest iOS version or get important security patches.

So, an iPhone in an obsolete state poses functional limitations and security risks. Users cannot download new apps that require the latest iOS. Core apps like Safari also become vulnerable. The iPhone loses access to the latest features and becomes unsafe to use.

Part 2: How to Check if Your iPhone 6/7/8 is Obsolete?

Over the years, Apple has released new iPhone models annually. The iPhone 6s came out in 2015, followed by the iPhone 7 in 2016 and the iPhone 8 in 2017. Now the question is - what iPhone models will become obsolete in 2023?

The easiest way to check to see if your iPhone is obsolete is by visiting Apple's Vintage and Obsolete Products page. It is a support page that can be found on Apple's website. Here, Apple lists down iPhone models that are vintage (at least 5 years old) or obsolete (at least 7 years old).

If your iPhone 6, 7, or 8 is not listed there, it means it is still supported. However, if it shows up under the Obsolete section, then Apple no longer provides software updates or repairs for those models of iPhones over the years. You can also check the model number on the back of your iPhone and compare it with the list.

What iPhone is becoming obsolete? The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus launched in September 2015 will become obsolete in 2022 after completing 7 years. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus that came out in 2016 will reach obsolete status in 2023.

Part 3: Update Your Obsolete iPhone’s iOS - Tenorshare ReiBoot

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Tenorshare ReiBoot is a software that can help update an obsolete iPhone's iOS version.

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Here are 5 steps to update an obsolete iPhone's iOS using Tenorshare ReiBoot:

Connect your obsolete iPhone to the computer and open ReiBoot.

Select "Standard Repair" to avoid data loss.

Download the latest iOS firmware for your iPhone model.

Click "Start Standard Repair" to install the iOS update.

Wait for the process to finish; do not disconnect your iPhone.

Part 4: What to Do Before Your iPhone 6/7/8 Becomes Obsolete?

Based on reports, the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus launched in 2015 are likely to become obsolete in 2022. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus from 2016 will reach obsolete status in 2023.

Here are some things to do before your iPhone 6/7/8 can no longer get software updates or repairs from Apple:

Backup Data Regularly: Keep backups of your photos, messages, notes, etc. on iCloud or iTunes. This will allow you to transfer data seamlessly when you upgrade.
Get Battery Replaced: Get the iPhone battery replaced to extend its usage lifetime. Old batteries lead to unexpected shutdowns.
Update Apps: Keep your apps updated as much as possible while your iPhone is still supported. Many apps may stop working on obsolete iOS.

Part 5: How to Install Apps on an Obsolete iPhone?

Here are the steps to download previously purchased apps on an obsolete iPhone:

Sign in to the App Store with your Apple ID used to buy the apps originally.
Go to the Purchased tab and select "My Purchases".
Tap "Not on This iPhone" to find your purchased app.
Tap the iCloud icon to redownload the compatible version.
Confirm download when prompted to get the older app version.

Part 6: FAQs about iPhone Obsolete State

Q1. What iPhones will be obsolete in 2024?

Based on Apple's support timelines, the iPhone 6s/6s Plus, iPhone 7/7 Plus, and iPhone SE (1st gen) will likely reach obsolete status in 2024 after completing 7 years from launch, and iPhone 7 Plus availability will no longer persist.

Q2. Will the iPhone 7 still work in 2024?

Yes, the iPhone 7/7 Plus should still power on and make calls in 2024, but it will stop receiving software updates or repairs from Apple. From iPhone 7 announcement date till 2024, it will likely reach obsolete status. App compatibility and security will be limited.

Q3. Will the iPhone 6 still work in 2024?

The iPhone 6/6 Plus will be over 8 years old in 2024, so functionality may be very limited by then. Making calls may work, but apps and internet browsing likely won't.

Q4. Which iPhone is next to be obsolete?

The iPhone 8/8 Plus will likely be the next iPhone to become obsolete in 2025, after being available since September 2017.

Conclusion

As iPhone models age, they reach a point where Apple declares them obsolete. This usually happens around 6-7 years after an iPhone's release. Once obsolete, iPhones no longer receive software updates or repairs from Apple. This leaves them vulnerable to issues like poor app compatibility, lack of new features, and security risks.

Users can check Apple's vintage and obsolete list to see if their iPhone 6/7/8 will become unsupported soon. Before that happens, it's advised to backup data, replace batteries, update apps, and consider upgrading to a newer iPhone.

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