Which old smartphones will lose support in 2024 and stop working?

The technology that supports your mobile phone evolves quickly, and each year, certain models will no longer be able to support the latest operating system updates released by developers.

Which iPhones won’t support iOS 18?

This year, Apple released iOS 18, which will be loaded onto the iPhone 16 lineup. Certain iPhone users will be able to update their software to use iOS 18, but specific models will no longer support it. Those with the iPhone 8, released in 2017, and any older models will not be able to update to the latest iOS. Older models have less advanced processing technology, meaning the new update would overwhelm the phone’s system.

However, Apple will typically allow these devices to be covered by security updates for another year or two. However, once a phone cannot receive software or security updates, it can be vulnerable, and bad actors can take advantage of those weaknesses. In July 2024, the final security update was released for the following devices:

What is planned obsolescence?

While Apple claims that cycling out old devices allows the company to focus their energy on innovating for future products, consumers can often find this process frustrating. It inevitable means that people have to purchase a new phone every couple of years, even when their machine works fine. This phenomena is called planned obsolescence and has long been a critique from consumer advocates of the ever advancing tech sector. Companies like Apple have made changes to the device’s physical qualities that infringe on what some call a person’s right to repair. One example came after the release of the iPhone six where those who purchased the device found that a new screw had been used to seal the device. The Pentalobe screws used in the device make it nearly impossible for a user to open the device and make any repairs needed themselves.