Apple Declares iPhone 5S “Obsolete” – What It Means for You

TL;DR: Apple has marked the iPhone 5S, launched in 2013, as “obsolete,” meaning it will no longer offer hardware support. The device won’t receive software updates and repair options will be limited. Users should consider upgrading to a newer iPhone for better performance and features.

Another iPhone bites the dust.

Over time, Apple labels its older products as “obsolete” or “vintage,” reflecting changes in how much support it offers for them. Now, it’s the iPhone 5S’s turn, launched in September 2013, to get the obsolete badge.

MacRumors spotted the change on Apple’s official support page for older hardware. Obsolete products, which now include the iPhone 5S, are products that Apple stopped selling seven or more years ago.

No More Repairs

“Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products,” Apple explains. In other words, Apple won’t fix your device, and third-party repair shops are going to struggle too.

The iPhone 5S last received a major software update with iOS 12 in 2018. As for the iPhone 5C, launched alongside the iPhone 5S in 2013, it was already on Apple’s list of obsolete products, so there’s no change there.

Cutting-Edge Technology, Once Upon a Time

When it first appeared, the iPhone 5S was at the forefront of technology. It was the first smartphone to use a 64-bit processor (the Apple A7) and introduced the Touch ID fingerprint authentication system to the iPhone.

If you’re still using an iPhone 5S, it might be time to consider upgrading to one of the best iPhones available now. You’ll notice a serious jump in terms of the phone’s polish and performance, and you’ll get the latest iOS 17 software too.

More Changes to Apple’s Vintage and Obsolete List

There are a couple of other changes to Apple’s list:

1. The sixth-generation iPod touch was launched in 2015
2. The late 2015 iMac with a 21.5-inch, 4K display

Both are now marked as vintage, meaning they haven’t been sold by Apple for more than five years.

Apple and its authorized partners will still offer repairs on vintage products, but that’s subject to “parts availability.” If the replacement part you need is no longer available, you’re probably not going to be able to get your device fixed.

The End of an Era

The iPhone 5S’s move to the obsolete list marks the end of an era. It was a groundbreaking device in its time, introducing features that have become staples of the iPhone line.

But technology marches on. And as Apple continues to innovate and release new models, older devices inevitably fall by the wayside.

If you’re still holding onto an iPhone 5S, it’s time to let go. Embrace the future. Upgrade to a newer model and experience all the advancements that have been made in the last decade.

Your iPhone 5S served you well. But it’s time to say goodbye.