No, Apple no longer supports the iPhone 5s with new iOS releases; its last security update was iOS 12.5.7 in January 2023.
The 2013 iPhone 5s now sits outside Apple’s active software track. It cannot install current iOS versions, and Apple has moved it into the bucket where hardware service from Apple is no longer offered. If you’re carrying a 5s as a daily phone, you can still place calls and run many lightweight apps, but you’re missing modern security fixes, newer features, and official repair coverage.
What “Support” Means For An Older iPhone
Apple’s support comes in a few flavors—major iOS upgrades, occasional security patches for older branches, app compatibility through developer targets, and hardware service through Apple or authorized providers. Each slice affects your day-to-day experience in a different way. The table below breaks it down for the 5s.
| Support Area | iPhone 5s Status | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Major iOS Upgrades | Ended at iOS 12 | No access to iOS 13–26 features or bug fixes. |
| Security Patches | Last patch: iOS 12.5.7 (Jan 23, 2023) | Web and system vulnerabilities after that date remain unpatched on iOS 12. |
| App Compatibility | Declining | More apps now require newer iOS; installs and updates can stall. |
| Repair From Apple | Obsolete classification | No official parts or service from Apple stores; third-party options vary. |
| Accessory Ecosystem | Limited | Fewer certified batteries and cases; Lightning accessories still exist but are aging out. |
Current Support Status For iPhone 5s Models
Software finished at iOS 12 on this device, and the last security release for that branch was iOS 12.5.7 on January 23, 2023. Apple’s own notes confirm that this update targeted WebKit vulnerabilities and listed the 5s among the devices covered. You can read Apple’s bulletin for the iOS 12.5.7 security update to see the scope and date. That was the final stop for the line.
On the hardware side, Apple outlines two late-life labels across its sites: “vintage” and “obsolete.” The 5s has now crossed into the latter. That label ends official parts availability and service from Apple and its authorized providers. Apple explains the policy on its support pages, where “vintage” covers the 5–7 year window after last sale and “obsolete” starts beyond that range. See Apple’s description of vintage and obsolete product service for the ground rules. Press coverage in mid-2024 reported the 5s being added to the obsolete list, matching its age and sales timeline.
Why The 5s Reached The End Of Updates
The 5s runs on Apple’s A7 chip and 1 GB of RAM. That combo launched the 64-bit era on iPhone back in 2013, but it also set a ceiling for future software demands. As iOS grew to include newer frameworks, machine learning features, and heavier privacy protections, the hardware gap widened. Apple typically raises the floor every few years to keep performance, battery health, and security at acceptable levels on supported devices.
The long arc looks like this: the 5s received the full iOS 12 generation and then a series of life-extension patches for high-risk issues. The last of those landed in January 2023. Since then, new iOS generations have focused on devices many years newer, with the live track now on iOS 26 for models starting at iPhone 11. Apple’s “get the latest software” page lists current versions and the living platforms they serve.
Security Reality On A 2013 iPhone
Missing recent patches raises risk during web browsing, messaging, and app installs. The 12.5.7 release closed a WebKit issue that Apple believed had been exploited in the wild at that time; anything found and fixed after January 2023 won’t reach the 5s. That means routine activities—opening links, loading complex sites, or viewing media—carry more exposure than they would on a current iPhone.
Real-world risk depends on your patterns. Light use with trusted sites and minimal apps lowers the attack surface, yet it doesn’t change the baseline: the platform is frozen. If the device holds sensitive logins, banking apps, or a work email profile, the mismatch with present-day security expectations becomes a hurdle.
What Still Works Today
You can still call, text, play local media, and run older versions of many apps. The camera shoots decent daylight photos. Bluetooth headphones pair fine, and CarPlay alternatives like simple Bluetooth audio work as usual. For a spare phone, a music player, or a kid’s offline device, a clean 5s can be handy. The catch comes when a favorite app flips its minimum iOS version or a service drops legacy TLS or codec support. That tends to happen in waves.
When A 5s Makes Sense As A Backup
If you keep it offline for most tasks—say, as a travel-only local SIM phone, a music cache, or a point-and-shoot camera—it can still earn its keep. The small, pocketable frame is great for running, hiking, or beach days where you’d rather not risk a newer phone. Just wipe the device, set a passcode, and trim installed apps to the basics. Add an authenticator only if it’s backed by recovery codes elsewhere.
Safe Setup Tips For A Retired Device
Start Clean
Back up any data you need, then restore the 5s to a fresh state. Reinstall only the apps you actually use. Skip anything that drags in ad SDKs or web views you don’t trust.
Trim Permissions
Turn off location for apps that don’t need it. Review microphone and camera access. Kill background app refresh to save battery and reduce network exposure.
Use A Modern Browser Elsewhere
Safari on iOS 12 lacks later WebKit protections. For sensitive browsing, switch to a newer device. Keep the 5s for offline content or low-risk tasks.
Choosing An Upgrade Without Overspending
Looking to move on, but budget matters? The simplest path is a model that still sits on Apple’s live iOS track and will keep getting patches for years. iPhone 11 and newer handle iOS 26, which means ongoing features and security. Apple’s guide spells out which models run that version today.
Quick Picker: What To Buy Based On Priorities
Match your choice to what you do most. The table below gives a tight snapshot.
| Priority | Good Fit | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Cost On Live iOS | iPhone 11 family | Runs iOS 26; big upgrade in camera and battery over 5s. |
| Compact Size | iPhone SE (2nd/3rd gen) | Home button feel; fast chips; multi-year security runway. |
| Longest Runway | iPhone 14/15/16 range | Newer silicon and modems; the most years of future patches. |
Moving Data From A 5s To A Newer Phone
Use iCloud backup on the 5s, then set up the new phone with that backup during onboarding. If you’re low on iCloud space, plug the 5s into a Mac or PC and make a local encrypted backup, then restore from that file. Encrypted backups carry health data and saved passwords, which speeds up onboarding on the new device.
Clean Exit On The Old Device
After your data lands on the new phone, sign out of iCloud, erase the 5s, and remove the SIM. If you’re recycling it, follow Apple’s guidance for free device recycling and safe disposal. The iPhone User Guide includes a page on disposal and recycling information with a link to Apple Trade-In.
What About Repairs And Batteries?
Once a model is labeled obsolete, Apple no longer offers repairs or new parts through its stores or authorized providers. Independent shops may still service the phone with third-party parts, but availability and quality vary. Apple’s policy page explains the difference between the late-life labels and the service window for each. Again, review Apple’s page on obtaining service after warranty to see how the timelines work. Press outlets also reported the 5s hitting the obsolete list in 2024, which lines up with the policy.
Reality Check On Apps And Services
Developers set a minimum iOS version to access current SDKs. Each time Apple ships a new iOS, the developer toolchain moves forward, and older bases fall away. Banks, streaming apps, and shopping apps tend to raise their minimums quickly due to security requirements and fraud controls. That means your installed copy might keep running for a while, but sign-in flows and API calls can break without warning on a device frozen at iOS 12.
If You Must Keep Using A 5s
Use It Offline Often
Download playlists, podcasts, and maps on Wi-Fi and toggle mobile data off when you can. Less web activity equals less exposure.
Pick Fewer, Trusted Apps
Stick to well-known names with a track record of backporting security smarts to older versions. Skip niche app stores and direct IPA installs.
Treat Email With Care
Phishing links and drive-by pages target old WebKit builds. Use a newer device for sensitive mail when possible.
Why Upgrading Feels Bigger Than Just Features
Newer iPhones bring stronger encryption, better biometric safeguards, tougher sandboxing, and a browser engine that tracks the latest web threats. iOS 26 and its peers get rapid fixes when security researchers publish new findings. Apple maintains a living page with current versions across its platforms so you can confirm if your phone is on the latest build. That page is a handy bookmark when you manage several devices at home.
Final Take
The iPhone 5s had a long run, capped by a last security patch in January 2023 and an obsolete label that ends official repairs. It still makes a decent backup for offline tasks, but it no longer fits today’s security bar. If you need a budget move, start with an iPhone that runs iOS 26. That single step restores app compatibility, current patches, and a multi-year window of calm.