Shawdesh Desk:

Apple has issued a new warning that means you need to check your iPhone now. The iPhone maker has just announced which of its devices are obsolete via a document on its support page.

When an iPhone becomes obsolete, it means Apple will no longer support it. This means you can’t get it repaired and it rarely receives iOS security updates—if ever. This is a big deal as if your iPhone doesn’t receive updates, there is no way of keeping it secure. In the worst case scenario, that means attackers can use unpatched vulnerabilities in the iOS operating system to take control of your iPhone.

Even in the best case scenario, your iPhone will stop working optimally, slowing down further and becoming buggy, and there is no way of getting it repaired by Apple.

Apple Updates Obsolete iPhones List

In these tough economic times, it’s not ideal, but it’s important you use an iPhone that is supported by Apple. Here are the devices no longer supported by the iPhone maker:

• iPhone
• iPhone 3G (China mainland) 8GB
• iPhone 3G 8GB, 16GB
• iPhone 3GS (China mainland) 16GB, 32GB
• iPhone 3GS (8GB)
• iPhone 3GS 16GB, 32GB
• iPhone 4 CDMA
• iPhone 4 CDMA (8GB)
• iPhone 4 16GB, 32GB
• iPhone 4 GSM (8GB), Black
• iPhone 4S
• iPhone 4S (8GB)
• iPhone 5C
• iPhone 6 Plus

Apple Updates “Vintage” iPhones List

Meanwhile, here are the “vintage” iPhones worldwide, so-called because they are partially supported, meaning they occasionally receive security iOS upgrades for major holes and can be repaired, but parts are harder to come by.

• iPhone 4 (8GB)
• iPhone 5
• iPhone 5S
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6s (32GB)
• iPhone 6s Plus (32GB)
• iPhone SE
• iPhone 8 Red
• iPhone 8 Plus Red
  

  Obsolete iPhone? Here’s What To Do

  The first thing to do is check your iPhone model against Apple’s updated list. If it’s on there, it is at risk from security issues. “Obsolete devices including iPhones will all at some point see their free updates come to a halt, putting them at risk to any vulnerabilities that are found after that date,” says Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET.

  Although Moore concedes older iPhones are “not often specifically targeted” because the majority of people are using newer iPhones, it’s still important to check your device. “Older iPhones still remain in circulation and once a vulnerability is located, it can rapidly be exploited by attackers and directed at anyone with devices left unpatched.”

  Moore says it is vital that all devices are up to date with the latest security updates. “If people are using iPhones that are out of patch warranty—although it’s frustrating—they should consider replacing them with a newer, more secure device.”

  I agree. It’s also a good idea to check family members’ iPhones, especially if kids or older adults are using handed-down devices. If your iPhone is obsolete, try to replace it with a new device as soon as possible. It doesn’t have to be the latest model and refurbished iPhones are often sold at a discount.