I’m a huge proponent of keeping your tech as long as possible. I still have the original Touch Bar MacBook Pro. But one good reason to upgrade technology is when companies stop supporting it with security updates. It begs the question: howlingOngAnyyouuse iPhone bbefore i doas it isSecurities ris it?
Keep users and devices safe with security updates
I’m not talking about feature updates. in case. Admittedly, it would be a shame if the iPhone could no longer take advantage of the latest features Apple has to offer. However, it can be used as is. However, when companies stop issuing security updates, devices become susceptible to new vulnerabilities that pop up.
Let’s say you have a smartphone whose OEM has completely discontinued support for . At some point, a serious security vulnerability was discovered. This vulnerability allows malicious individuals to run whatever code they like on your phone, essentially hijacking it. You could accomplish this via malicious links in text messages and emails, or you could carry out her 2FA code scam over the phone. Either way, the vulnerability exists and puts users at risk.
Once the OEM finds a patch for the vulnerability, they will issue a security update to all devices they still support. However, the device is not on that list and remains unprotected. That’s a point even for people like me to admit it’s time to upgrade to a new device. Cybersecurity is no joke.
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Today, Android devices often have a date when OEMs end support for them. Companies like Google and Samsung guarantee his latest devices with five years of security updates. For example, if you buy the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, Protected until at least October 2027However, if Google decides to end the relationship, the Pixel will no longer be protected from new security vulnerabilities after November 2027.
Apple will support devices for the long term with security updates
However, the iPhone is a bit of a special device as far as security support is concerned. Apple never gives an end-of-life timeline for its products, long time. Apple, for example, supported the iPhone 6S with a full software update with iOS 15. The company also dropped his iOS 16 phone, which means with feature updates he supported the 6S for a full seven years.
but it is Features Update. Apple continues to issue security updates for 6S as well as other devices stuck on iOS 15. In fact, the company is issuing software updates for iPhones stuck in iOS. 12We saw it in the latest software and security updates of the week.I’ve seen supported iPhones iOS 16.3 Hit the Software Updates tab, Apple also released iOS 15.7.3 When iOS 12.5.7 Apply critical security patches to older devices running these versions. iOS 15.7.3 patches 5 vulnerabilities and iOS 12.5.7 patches 1 vulnerability.
However, iPhones still running iOS 12 YearThis includes the 2014 iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and the 2013 iPhone 5S. If you bought an iPhone 5S at launch, Apple is still supporting your device with mandatory security patches, nearly a decade after his.
iPhones aren’t the only beneficiaries here. Apple has issued the same security patch for his iPadOS. This means that the original iPad Air can be updated to iOS 12.5.7, and so can the 6th generation iPod touch. The company also continues to issue security updates for macOS Big Sur. This means that some Macs from 2013 and newer are also protected.
A secure iPhone is not necessarily a fast iPhone
Now in 2023, having older devices isn’t necessarily ideal. software As we started supporting devices, like we did with 5S, 6, and 6 Plus since iOS 12, app developers are slowly starting to drop support as well. In addition, although aging batteries can be replaced, older hardware (especially lack of memory) can lead to that is Not yet supported.
but it is still safety to use these devices. As was the case with iOS 11 and earlier, the 5S, 6, and 6 Plus should be discontinued once we see Apple stop issuing security updates. But at this point, you can theoretically use your iPhone safely for at least 10 years.
