iOS 15 Rumored to Drop Support for iPhone 6s and 2016 iPhone SE

[Googlyhead]

Crying literal tears laughing

Why haven’t you upgraded yet? You should still be able to upgrade to whatever the most recent version of iOS 14 is

Not really. It’ll be 4 years by the time 15 comes out.

Samsung and pixel devices still don’t make up the majority of android devices. Using them as an example for android getting updates in a similar manner is ridiculous. Never mind the fact that you still have to wait on carriers and manufacturers and regions to get said updates.

the fact that many android phones launch with an already outdated Os and in 2021, some devices from the same manufacturer have different versions because Carrier a decided to release it before b, c, d.....trust me isn’t an argument you want to make for android.

more importantly the fact I can still go and buy a 6s from 2015 and a se from 2016 that is still running the same os as the 12 family and all the same apps and most of the same features....please tell me what android phones are even comparable from those time periods.

I’ll wait.

good on android or Google specifically for actually finally updating their devices and supporting them after a decade of watching Apple do it.

The most basic and obvious argument for not updating is simply that Apple only permit installation of the single latest release (apart for a short overlap period with the previous fractional iteration.)

People make the point that the latest one tends to introduce more issues with bugs, compatibility, and functionality.
But it’s not just this;
the lack of reversion or choice simply means that you can’t go to a newer ‘good/compatible’ version prior to the latest (not good/compatible),
and then there’s the accumulating effect of there being more versions between the one installed and the single ‘installable’; making the larger jump (with accumulated issues) less enticing than remaining on the currently installed one.

In short; Apple don’t let you progressively upgrade, so effectively progressively discouraging updating while a device is in use.

 

[amartinez1660]

Amazes me how people think Apple should provide updates for eternity. I don't know of any competitor that provides support and updates for half as long as Apple, let alone on a budget device like the SE.

Besides, the device still works perfectly fine, you just won't get new features or upgrades. This whole planned obsolescence thing is BS from people that don't understand progress and technology.

Agreed with you here. That iPhone SE I use it to test games as a “low performance” target test device and it still surprises me how it can chew at things... full 3D games with bunch of effects cranked up. It’s really something in my experience.

And not only on phones, I see it at a wider scale really...
I still use two Thunderbolt displays (the ones from 2011) next to a 2020 iMac. They work flawlessly, all ports, all Daisy chaining, mics, (crappy) cameras, etc.
I still use an airtime capsule 2TB as the home’s router, still does time machine backup like a champ.
I still use a mid 2014 16” MacBook Pro
The oldest laptop my family has is a 2011 MBP 13” that I gave them when I got the 16” one.
Heck, even got a legacy iPad Air going around for quick easy consumption, battery lasts several days and iOS 12 still has updates, last one was in December.
Got an AppleTV before the Siri controller (this one is barely not used now, granted).

And I get that it’s not possible to upgrade the ram, storage, CPUs, gpus, swap an A8 chip for an A14 one, screens, wifi/bluetooth/sound cards, etc on almost none of them... but luckily I haven’t had to, when that time comes is already so many years after that the best option is to get the next best thing I think and let the older one still continue on with someone that can still have an use or sell it.

On that note, I also haven’t ever seen garbage cans with any single disposed iPhone, macbooks and whatnot waste inside. I have seen plastic burner economy phones though.

 

[amartinez1660]

Look, the vast majority of folks who can’t afford to (or don’t want to) upgrade to a newer device have no reason to panic and run to buy one just because theirs can’t be updated to new iOS version.

It’s not like your phone is 100% secure just because it runs latest software. And similarly when you run it on older software, it doesn’t automatically become a target for some attack. That’s not how it works.

Ditto. Got a legacy iPad Air, only can get to to iOS12, still has updates. Last one says it’s dated this last December.

 

[tubular]

I've hung onto my original-gen SE, although iOS 14 is really clobbering its battery life, because I like having a phone I can actually put into and take out of my pocket without assuming a yoga position. Now that the 12 mini is out, I've got something to move on to when the time comes.

 

[azentropy]

Not really. It’ll be 4 years by the time 15 comes out.

4 Years since it was released, but only a bit over 3 since they stopped selling it "new" and less than 2 years since it was available refurbished from the Apple store (in fact it is still listed just as out of stock). Which is considerably shorter than what iPhones and iPads have had in the past. That was my point.

 

[A_TES_HEYONG]

Cool. Going to upgrade this year upon release of new iPhone models.
I've tried buy just can't go back to that horrific Android UI/UX with 2 yrs max OS Support.

 

[subi257]

I got my iPhone SE four years ago in March, so it's had a good run. Still a rock solid phone that has taken almost everything I've thrown at it.

That said, the cameras are pretty average, and if I'm going to upgrade, I'm probably going to treat myself to the 12 Pro instead of the standard model. It's either that or a DSLR, but as I remember reading years ago, the camera that takes the best photos is the one you actually have with you. A DSLR would no doubt sit in a bag at home most of the time.

All that being said, it's been supported for 5-6 years. Software tech moves on and makes some internal components obsolete. I am not positive but I would guess that there are chips that are not 64 bit compliant.

All that being said, just because it can't be updated to the latest OS, does not make it unless. It will still function and would most likely still be fine for a lot people, as not everybody uses all of the latest features.

 

[Jimmy James]

If 6 years is planned obsolesence, then Android phone makers commit premeditated murder of their smartphones.

I think that’s correct.

 

[tonyisit]

Hope these reports are wrong. In this economic environment, there are plenty of folks with 6S’s that are not at liberty to buy new equipment.

As for my 6S and iPad Air 2, both are running rock solid with the latest iOS 14.

You will not have to buy a new phone even if your device doesn't get the update, your phone will still work with the older OS

 

[Grohowiak]

Can't wait. iOS dev will become so much easier.

 

[honglong1976]

In a few years, I won't have to bother developing apps for the iPhone SE small screen.
Will make my life easier! But for now, I certainly won't drop support!

I loved the SE at the time, but try and use one now. The screen is incredibly tiny. It's horrible to use.

 

[turbineseaplane]

While I appreciate and understand folks mentioning that security updates continue from Apple for the older devices..

The real problem is App support, which is usually tied to iOS version, particularly if it's anything with online/sync type of components.

There are even bank apps I've heard of dropping older iOS versions in the past.

i.e. -- getting left off from further iOS updates definitely can "start the clock of death" for your device, at least from a practical usage/functionality standpoint (depending upon user/needs or course).

 

[djc6]

Love my original iPhone SE, purchased new from Apple January 2019 just shy of two years ago when they were discounting them.

I just had battery replaced yesterday at Genius Bar for $50 to keep it going for another two years! Don't need latest iOS, 14 has all the features I'll ever need.

 

[Falhófnir]

While I appreciate and understand folks mentioning that security updates continue from Apple for the older devices..

The real problem is App support, which is usually tied to iOS version, particularly if it's anything with online/sync type of components.

There are even bank apps I've heard of dropping older iOS versions in the past.

i.e. -- getting left off from further iOS updates definitely can "start the clock of death" for your device, at least from a practical usage/functionality standpoint (depending upon user/needs or course).

I know with MacOS Apple continues with security support for two years after each OS' development cycle comes to an end, but I haven't heard about that being the case with iOS as well? Thought once it ends, that's it, except for those very occasional exceptional circumstances? 🤔

 

[turbineseaplane]

I know with MacOS Apple continues with security support for two years after each OS' development cycle comes to an end, but I haven't heard about that being the case with iOS as well? Thought once it ends, that's it, except for those very occasional exceptional circumstances? 🤔

I think they do some of it still

My Aunt is on an iPad Air 1 and it still gets some updates of some kind from Apple here and there, despite being locked to no better than, I think, iOS 12? (not sure which iOS she ended up on)

 

[turbineseaplane]

Love my original iPhone SE, purchased new from Apple January 2019 just shy of two years ago when they were discounting them.

I just had battery replaced yesterday at Genius Bar for $50 to keep it going for another two years! Don't need latest iOS, 14 has all the features I'll ever need.

The new battery is key. I have a new battery in my OGSE and the runs iOS 14 smooth as butter with great battery life (for this device).

It's a bit of a bummer they are perhaps not giving it iOS 15, because I'd be pretty shocked if it couldn't handle it just fine.

 

[Falhófnir]

I think they do some of it still

My Aunt is on an iPad Air 1 and it still gets some updates of some kind from Apple here and there, despite being locked to no better than, I think, iOS 12? (not sure which iOS she ended up on)

Huh, apparently they do:

iOS 12 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Well, that's good to know anyway, I remember about the time and date bug they fixed for cellular devices and a couple of big security exploits but thought it was just those very rare circumstances!

 

[djc6]

My Aunt is on an iPad Air 1 and it still gets some updates of some kind from Apple here and there, despite being locked to no better than, I think, iOS 12? (not sure which iOS she ended up on)

Like yesterday? iOS 12.5.1 came out yesterday! And 12.5 a month ago. And iOS 12.4.9 in November...

Apple security releases - Apple Support

This document lists security updates and Rapid Security Responses for Apple software.

support.apple.com

Great support!

 

[turbineseaplane]

Like yesterday? iOS 12.5.1 came out yesterday! And 12.5 a month ago. And iOS 12.4.9 in November...

Apple security releases - Apple Support

This document lists security updates and Rapid Security Responses for Apple software.

support.apple.com

Great support!

Yep - nice they are doing that for sure.

It still doesn't really help with practical usage on the App side, where developers often times relish the "opportunity" to not support older iOS versions -- sometimes even the most recent "old" one.

For me that's always been the limitation at some point that forces moving to a new iOS.

 

[Seanm87]

I'm actually gonna go out on a limb here and say I think nothing will get dropped.

The 2017 iPad had an A9 and that would only be 4 years which isn't much. I think the reason apple is putting older chips in the budget iPads is because they know they will be keeping support of these older chips for longer.

The pre A9 chips were slow and I can see why they were dropped but the A9 is when it hit a pretty impressive level so I think there will be a couple more years yet.

 

[kevink2]

People need to learn to upgrade. My mom just upgraded from the iPad Mini (1) to the iPad Mini (5) because the majority of apps will no longer run on IOS 9.x. IOS 14.x will be supported for years to come so if people do not want to upgrade they can still keep their devices and run the apps for years to come.

One benefit of the long term support is that you can upgrade family with your old phone, and the recipient can still get some upgrades on it. Maybe I waited too long, but last fall I upgraded my brother in law's 6 with a 6s. So he got an OS upgrade out of it even if he won't get future releases based on this thread. But obviously in this case it wasn't important enough for my BIL.

I am now down to 3 iPhones for 3 lines. 2016 SE for my "home" phone number. It doesn't use cellular data, and calls to it at home can be answered on my primary iPhone 12 Pro. I also have a 7+ as a coverage phone (verizon MVNO) in case of travel emergency, though that phone is available if someone in the family needs it since I could just move the SIM to my 12 Pro. I suspect that, in my case, the SE will last until it breaks unless the carriers make some change that invalidates it (like the iPhone 6 could do VoLTE, but many ATT MVNOs only support VoLTE back to the 6s/SE due to some iOS dependancy).

 

[jwolf6589]

I'm actually gonna go out on a limb here and say I think nothing will get dropped.

The 2017 iPad had an A9 and that would only be 4 years which isn't much. I think the reason apple is putting older chips in the budget iPads is because they know they will be keeping support of these older chips for longer.

The pre A9 chips were slow and I can see why they were dropped but the A9 is when it hit a pretty impressive level so I think there will be a couple more years yet.

No kidding. The Mini 4 uses the A8 which is dog slow compared to the A12 on there Mini 5. I cant believe people still use the Mini 4 and will not upgrade to the Mini 5.

 

[kevink2]

Keeping technology parts for repairs/services for 10 year old devices would be challenging. Even for laptops that old, you'll be looking for used/fake parts, and the OEM would've already stopped supporting it.

As for the software part, considering that Apple is actually the leader in the mobile space (even Google cannot support their own Pixel phones that long), Apple doesn't have any motivation to go longer.

I do agree on ~10 years total of security updates, at least for Macs.

I've not bought a Google branded phone since I tried out the Nexus several years ago. It got no upgrades. TI may have got out of the mobile space, but a company the size of Google could have provided some upgrades. Negotiate to get some source code and maintained it for at least 1 more version.

 

[kevink2]

No kidding. The Mini 4 uses the A8 which is dog slow compared to the A12 on there Mini 5. I cant believe people still use the Mini 4 and will not upgrade to the Mini 5.

There are multiple reasons. I'll give you one.
I have 2 iPads. The Mini 4, and the Pro 10.5". So the Mini is a backup, mainly used for web browsing and ebooks, so even if upgrades stop it should suffice for a couple years. In my case, upgrading to a 5 would just be spending money.

 

[jwolf6589]

I've not bought a Google branded phone since I tried out the Nexus several years ago. It got no upgrades. TI may have got out of the mobile space, but a company the size of Google could have provided some upgrades. Negotiate to get some source code and maintained it for at least 1 more version.

I would only run Android if I was forced too by a employer.