No, Apple isn’t shutting down iPhone 7 and below; these phones still work but won’t get new iOS versions and may only get occasional security updates.
Scary headlines pop up every few months claiming older iPhones are about to stop working. That isn’t how Apple handles aging models. What actually happens is a slow glide: feature upgrades pause first, then security patches taper off, and hardware service winds down years later. If you still carry a 6s, 7, or an early SE, this guide spells out what keeps working, what doesn’t, and smart steps to stretch useful life without frustration.
What “Shutting Down” Does And Doesn’t Mean
Apple doesn’t brick old hardware. Your phone will power on, place calls, send texts, take photos, browse the web, and run apps that still support its iOS version. The change you’ll feel is software-side. Major iOS releases stop at a ceiling for each model, and some new Apple services or app features won’t appear on that hardware. Over time, more third-party apps raise their minimum iOS requirement, which trims what you can install fresh from the App Store.
Are Older iPhones Like The 7 Being Discontinued?
Yes in the retail sense: Apple no longer sells these models. No in the practical sense: they continue to function on the last iOS they support. Apple’s current software roadmap runs on newer A-series chips, so the 6s and 7 families stopped at iOS 15, while the 8 and X topped out at iOS 16. Newer software such as iOS 18 and iOS 26 targets iPhone XR/XS or later and, now, iPhone 11 and later for some features. That line keeps all-day performance and newer security tech working as designed.
Quick Status Table For Legacy Models
This chart gives you a fast read on where popular older models stand today.
| Model | Max iOS Version | Update Status |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6s / 6s Plus | iOS 15.8.x | Security updates only when Apple issues 15.x patches |
| iPhone SE (1st gen) | iOS 15.8.x | Security updates only when Apple issues 15.x patches |
| iPhone 7 / 7 Plus | iOS 15.8.x | Security updates only; no iOS 16 or later |
| iPhone 8 / 8 Plus | iOS 16.x | No iOS 17 or later |
| iPhone X | iOS 16.x | No iOS 17 or later |
| iPhone XR / XS series | iOS 17 & 18; iOS 26 features vary | Still on the current train for many features |
| iPhone 11 family | iOS 26 | On the latest release |
Why iPhone 7 Stopped At iOS 15
The 2016 generation runs Apple’s A10 platform. Later iOS releases lean on newer silicon for features like advanced on-device machine learning, satellite messaging, and expanded encryption paths. Apple’s compatibility lists draw a line where performance, battery strain, and security architecture would suffer on older chips. As a result, the 7 series remains on iOS 15, though Apple has shipped late-cycle security fixes for that branch when risk warranted it.
Proof From Apple’s Pages
Apple’s security releases page shows recent point updates across iOS lines, including iOS 15.8.4 for devices such as iPhone 7 and 6s, released March 31, 2025. And the live list of iPhone models compatible with iOS 26 starts at newer devices, which signals where full upgrades continue and where feature availability begins to narrow on older chips.
What Keeps Working On An Older Phone
Core functions stay intact for a long time. Calls, SMS, iMessage on the same Apple ID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth audio, GPS, Apple Pay where issued, and the built-in camera all keep humming. If you already own an app, you can often re-download a version that matches your iOS branch. iCloud backup and restore still operate. CarPlay support remains if your car head unit supports the iOS 15 stack. Battery replacements from independent shops are common and can revive daily usability.
What Starts To Fall Away
- New Apple features that require A12 and later chips.
- Fresh installs of apps that now require iOS 16, 17, 18, or newer.
- Some banking and streaming apps raise minimums for security reasons.
- Accessory firmware tools that expect newer Bluetooth or security frameworks.
How Apple Handles Repairs For Old Models
Apple labels past hardware as “vintage” after about five years since last sale and “obsolete” after about seven. Vintage products may receive repair service if parts exist; obsolete products no longer receive hardware service from Apple or Apple Authorized Service Providers. You can read the policy on Apple’s page for obsolete products. Third-party repair shops may still help with common fixes like batteries, charging ports, and screens.
Should You Keep Using A 6s Or 7 In 2025?
If your tasks are light—calls, messages, maps, music, simple photos—the phone still delivers. Pair it with a fresh battery and a minimal set of apps and it stays snappy enough. If you rely on new messaging tools, satellite features, advanced camera modes, or newer Apple Watch models, you’ll feel the walls. New watches now expect iOS 18 or iOS 26, which means an iPhone XS or iPhone 11 and later, so pairing from a 7 won’t work for current wearables.
Practical Tips To Extend Life
- Install all iOS 15.8.x updates offered to you. These patch real security bugs.
- Audit your app list and remove anything abandoned or obsolete.
- Turn off background refresh for apps you seldom open.
- Replace the battery if peak capacity has dropped under 80%.
- Use a privacy-minded browser with content blocking to cut page weight.
Upgrade Timing: Sensible Triggers
There isn’t a single deadline where an old iPhone “stops.” Move up when one of these pain points shows up and stays:
- Your bank or two-factor authenticator no longer supports iOS 15.
- Carrier features you need require a newer iOS build.
- Your Apple Watch, AirPods firmware, or smart-home gear needs iOS 18 or later.
- Battery replacement quotes exceed the value you place on keeping the phone.
Feature Gaps You’ll See Versus Newer Phones
Beyond app compatibility, the largest differences are camera pipelines, on-device intelligence, and safety features. Night mode, ProRAW, crash detection, satellite messaging, and the newest Photos experience all sit on modern chips. The older phones still shoot and share fine, but the step up is big if low-light and video quality matter to you.
Apple’s Current Compatibility Line
Apple’s present software train centers on newer Face ID models. iOS 18 runs on XR/XS and later, while iOS 26 and its features cluster around iPhone 11 and later models. That means the iPhone 8 and X families paused at iOS 16, and iPhone 7 and below stayed at iOS 15 with occasional security patches. If you want the newest software perks, pick something in the 11 series or later.
Cost Math: Keep, Repair, Or Replace
Before jumping to a new device, do the math. A quality third-party battery swap often lands far below the cost of a midrange upgrade and can unlock another year or two if your needs are basic. If you rely on apps that now demand newer iOS versions, the hidden cost is time lost to workarounds. In that case, stepping up to a refurbished XR/XS or 11 often hits the sweet spot on price and support length.
Repair And Support Status Cheat Sheet
Here’s a simple map of where legacy iPhones usually sit in Apple’s service labels. Timelines are typical, not exact.
| Model Family | Lifecycle Stage | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6s / SE (1st) | Obsolete or near-obsolete | No Apple hardware service; third-party only |
| iPhone 7 / 7 Plus | Vintage or approaching obsolete | Repairs only if parts available; no major iOS upgrades |
| iPhone 8 / X | Vintage window | Parts-dependent service; last major iOS was 16 |
| iPhone XR / XS | Active support | Runs iOS 18; feature set varies by chip |
| iPhone 11 | On latest iOS | Runs iOS 26 with full support window ahead |
How To Check Your iOS Version And Update Options
You can confirm your current software in seconds. Open Settings > General > About to see the installed iOS build. Then open Settings > General > Software Update to look for patches available to your branch. Apple’s help page on finding the software version explains both paths clearly.
If your phone shows iOS 15.8.x and no new major release appears, that’s expected on the 6s, 7, and first-gen SE. Install any 15.8.x patches that appear, charge to at least 50 percent, and leave the phone on Wi-Fi. If you step up to a newer model later, you can restore from iCloud to carry your data forward.
Security Hygiene For Phones Stuck On iOS 15
Running an older system calls for a light touch and a few habits. Stick to the App Store. Remove profile-based sideloading you no longer need. Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID and main accounts. Use strong passcodes instead of 4-digit codes. In Safari, enable fraudulent site warnings. Keep iOS 15.8.x current, since Apple occasionally pushes fixes for high-risk bugs on that branch.
Buying Used: Picks That Still Receive Full Updates
If you’re passing your 7 to a family member and want a budget step-up, look for XR/XS or the 11 family. They sit on newer iOS trains and will ride longer. Check battery health before you buy, make sure Activation Lock is off, and test the speakers, cameras, and Face ID in person. These models unlock modern features without jumping to the newest flagship price point.
Bottom Line That Helps You Decide
Apple isn’t flipping a switch on older iPhones. The 6s and 7 families keep running on iOS 15, and the 8 and X sit on iOS 16. New releases roll on from XR/XS and later, with the 11 series now on the latest build. Keep the old phone if it meets your needs and stays patched; move up when your apps, accessories, or watch demand a newer iOS.