IF you’re using a very old iPhone, you’re putting yourself at risk.
Certain models are now so old that they no longer receive the latest updates.
Usually iOS updates contain new features, so you might not feel too worried.
But these iOS updates also contain important security fixes.
Every time a new iOS patch comes out, your un-updated iPhone is technically considered “at risk”.
That’s because there are security holes that you haven’t installed the fixes for yet.
It’s a bit like someone finally installing a lock on your door, but you haven’t turned the key to actually lock it yet.
Until you do, your device (and its info) may be in danger.
Apple’s security pages reveal that the iOS 16.3 update – which arrived earlier this week – fixes several flaws.
But many iPhones simply can’t get iOS 16.3.
Here’s a list of all the iOS 16 (and iOS 16.3) supported devices:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone Xs
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
Thankfully, Apple does occasionally issue security updates to very old iPhones.
But they often come later, and aren’t always guaranteed.
This week Apple issued a new security update called iOS 12.5.7, which includes security fixes from iOS 16.2 (the update before iOS 16.3).
iOS 16 cuts off at the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone SE (2nd generation or later).
But iOS 12 supports phones all the way back to the iPhone 5S, which came out in 2013.
Check for the new update by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone.
If you’re using an iPhone 5 or older, it’s now mostly abandoned.
That means you’ll want to avoid using:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 3GS
- iPhone 3G
- iPhone
And even devices that can’t get iOS 16 are riskier to use than newer iPhone models.
That would include:
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 5S
So if you’re still hanging on to that extremely old iPhone, now might be a good time to upgrade.
The cost of updating your iPhone model to a newer version may be far less than the consequences of a major hack attack.
And you can pick up iOS 16-friendly iPhone models for very cheap.
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