Apple has drawn a definitive line in the sand for millions of iPhone users. In a recent update to its official support documentation, the company has moved several popular older models, including the beloved iPhone 6s and the original iPhone SE, to its "obsolete" list. This move signals the end of official hardware support and, critically, the cessation of vital iOS security updates for these devices. For owners, this creates a pressing dilemma between continuing to use a familiar device and protecting their digital security. Simultaneously, a separate set of tips has emerged, offering users of all iPhone models—especially older ones—practical ways to combat a common complaint: poor battery life, potentially extending the useful life of their devices without immediate replacement.
Apple's Obsolete List Grows, Leaving Older iPhones Vulnerable
The core of Apple's recent announcement is a significant update to its vintage and obsolete products list. When a device is classified as "obsolete," Apple and its service providers will no longer offer repairs or parts for it. More importantly, the device stops receiving iOS updates entirely. This lack of security patches is the primary concern, as it leaves the phone exposed to newly discovered vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit. Cybersecurity experts warn that while older devices might not be the primary target for sophisticated attacks, known, unpatched security holes can be leveraged rapidly, potentially giving attackers access to personal data, financial information, and complete control over the device. The newly added models to the obsolete list include the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, the 32GB variants of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, and the first-generation iPhone SE.
Newly Added to Apple's Obsolete List (No repairs or security updates):
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s (32GB)
- iPhone 6s Plus (32GB)
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
Newly Added to Apple's Vintage List (Limited support, parts may be unavailable):
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
Understanding the Vintage Category and Your Upgrade Timeline
Alongside the obsolete list, Apple maintains a "vintage" category. Devices on this list, which now includes models like the iPhone X, XS, XS Max, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, are in a transitional phase. Apple may still provide repairs subject to parts availability, and they might occasionally receive critical security updates for major issues. However, support is not guaranteed. For users with a vintage iPhone, this serves as a clear warning that full obsolescence is likely within the next year or two. The practical advice for anyone with a device on either list is to begin planning for an upgrade. Experts strongly recommend replacing an iPhone that no longer receives updates to ensure ongoing security. For those concerned about cost, considering certified refurbished or newer pre-owned models can be a viable path to a device that will remain supported for years to come.
Proactive Steps to Revive Battery Life on Any iPhone
While security concerns may force an upgrade for some, many users of older iPhones are primarily battling rapid battery drain. Before resigning to a costly battery replacement or new phone purchase, a series of simple, free software adjustments can yield significant improvements. The display is one of the biggest power consumers on any smartphone. Manually reducing screen brightness by 10-20% or enabling the auto-brightness feature in Accessibility settings can have an immediate impact. Similarly, ensuring your phone connects to Wi-Fi whenever possible, instead of searching for a cellular signal, conserves substantial energy, especially in areas with poor coverage.
Key iOS Settings to Improve Battery Life:
- Display: Lower screen brightness; enable Auto-Brightness (Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size).
- Connectivity: Use Wi-Fi over cellular data when possible; disable Cellular Data or Wi-Fi Assist in Settings.
- Power Mode: Enable Low Power Mode (Settings > Battery or Control Center).
- Background Activity: Disable Background App Refresh globally or per-app (Settings > General > Background App Refresh).
- Notifications: Reduce or turn off notifications for non-essential apps (Settings > [App Name] > Notifications).
- Haptics & Sounds: Disable keyboard haptics (Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Keyboard Feedback).
- Display Mode: Use Dark Mode on OLED iPhones (iPhone X and later) for power savings (Settings > Display & Brightness).
- Live Activities: Disable for specific apps or on the lock screen (Settings > [App Name] or Settings > Face ID & Passcode).
Leveraging iOS Power-Saving Features and Managing Background Activity
iOS itself includes powerful tools for battery management. The most direct is Low Power Mode, which can be enabled manually in Settings or added to the Control Center for quick access. When activated, it throttles processor performance, reduces background activity, and pauses automatic downloads and mail fetch to extend battery life by several hours. Users can also take manual control by visiting Settings > General > Background App Refresh and either turning the feature off globally or selectively for non-essential apps. This prevents apps from updating content in the background, ensuring they only use power when actively open.
Fine-Tuning Settings for Maximum Efficiency
Further gains can be found by auditing notification settings. Each alert that lights up the screen or triggers a haptic vibration consumes a small amount of power. Disabling notifications for non-critical apps reduces these frequent wake cycles. For iPhones with OLED displays (iPhone X and later), enabling Dark Mode allows the screen to power down individual pixels for black areas, providing a tangible battery saving. Finally, features like keyboard haptics and Live Activities—which provide constant lock-screen updates from apps like food delivery or sports scores—continuously draw power. Disabling these for apps where they aren't essential can help squeeze out the last bit of charge on a long day.
The intersection of Apple's product lifecycle policy and user experience realities presents a clear picture for iPhone owners. For those with now-obsolete models, the security risks are real and necessitate a hardware upgrade. For users with older but still-supported devices, or even newer ones suffering from battery anxiety, software optimization offers a powerful and free remedy. By proactively managing settings, users can reclaim battery life and performance, potentially delaying the need for a new purchase and getting the most value out of their current device while they plan their next move in the Apple ecosystem.
