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Why Apple Still Patches 13-Year-Old iPhones: The Strategy Behind Long-Term iOS Support
Last January, something unusual happened in Apple's quiet update cycle. The company released patches for iOS versions that hadn't seen a single update in months or years. We're talking about iOS 12.5.8 for devices like the iPhone 5S from 2013, iOS 15.8.6 for the iPhone 6S, and iOS 16.7.13 for the iPhone 8. On the surface, these patches seem pointless. They don't fix security vulnerabilities. They don't add features. They don't improve performance. So why would Apple bother?
The answer reveals something important about how Apple manages its sprawling ecosystem of devices and services. These weren't random maintenance patches. They were surgical interventions designed to accomplish one specific goal: keep iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple account sign-in working for devices that technically stopped receiving support years ago.
This move matters more than it sounds. Millions of older iPhones and iPads are still in circulation, serving as single-purpose devices in homes, classrooms, and developing markets. Some are kid's nightstands. Others are car dashboards or kitchen tablets. A few are genuinely the only computing device someone owns. When Apple could easily abandon these devices—when nobody would blame them for it—instead they invest engineering resources to keep the most essential services running.
Understanding why Apple makes these decisions, how they're technically implemented, and what it means for aging devices tells us a lot about the company's values and the practical realities of maintaining a platform that spans 15 years of hardware.
TL; DR
- Apple renewed security certificates on iOS 12, 15, and 16 to keep iMessage, FaceTime, and account sign-in working until 2027, even though these OS versions stopped receiving regular updates months or years ago
- Ancient devices still matter: The iPhone 5S from 2013 and similar hardware still serve millions of people as messaging devices, kids' tablets, and single-purpose appliances
- Certificate expiration drives updates: Instead of fixing bugs or adding features, Apple specifically renewed digital certificates that would have otherwise expired and broken core services
- Support lifecycle extends longer than expected: Even devices officially "unsupported" continue receiving minimal maintenance patches, sometimes spanning over a decade
- Services matter more than OS versions: Apple prioritizes keeping iMessage and FaceTime working because these are network services that require backend support, not just local functionality
Estimated data suggests that a significant portion of users keep old iPhones for basic communication, while others use them as single-use devices or due to affordability.
The Hidden Problem: When Certificates Expire and Services Die
Most people don't think about digital certificates. They're invisible infrastructure, the kind of thing that works silently in the background until it suddenly doesn't. For an operating system like iOS, certificates act as cryptographic proof that your device is authentic and that the services it's trying to access are legitimate. When a certificate expires, services that depend on it stop working.
In this case, the iOS 12, 15, and 16 certificates that authenticate connections to iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple account services were set to expire in January 2027. Without renewal, devices running these operating systems would have been unable to send messages, make video calls, or sign into their Apple accounts. For someone still using an iPhone 6S or iPhone 5S, this isn't just an inconvenience. It's the difference between having a functional device and having a useless brick.
What's remarkable is that Apple chose to prevent this scenario instead of letting it happen. The company could have simply let these devices age out. Modern software design assumes people upgrade regularly, typically every few years. The idea of supporting a 2013 device in 2027 seems quaint by industry standards. Yet Apple went to the trouble of issuing new patches specifically to refresh these certificates.
This decision reflects something important about how Apple thinks about its responsibility to users. It's not about profit. These users have already bought their devices. They're not upgrading to new phones. There's no financial incentive to keep them happy. But there's a principle at stake: if a device can still function, if the hardware is still capable, Apple seems to believe it should function for as long as reasonably possible.
The technical implementation is also worth understanding. Apple's engineers didn't need to fix bugs in iOS 12 or recompile anything. They literally just renewed the digital certificate and pushed an update. It's the minimal possible maintenance. The patch notes for iOS 12.5.8 explicitly state: "Updates security certificate to ensure iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple account sign-in continue working." That's it. No other changes.
This tells us that Apple's approach to long-term support is brutally pragmatic. They're not improving the OS. They're not even fixing old bugs. They're doing the absolute minimum necessary to keep essential services alive. It's like doing just enough repairs to an old car to keep it running, rather than restoring it to showroom condition.
The Devices That Still Matter: Why People Keep Using Old iPhones
It's easy to assume that 12 and 13-year-old devices don't matter anymore. In wealthy markets where annual upgrades are common, this might be true. But globally, older smartphones still serve critical functions. An iPhone 5S from 2013 might be ancient by tech standards, but its hardware can still make calls, send messages, and run basic apps. For many people, that's enough.
The devices Apple just patched cover a surprising range of use cases. The iPhone 5S and iPhone 6, which received iOS 12.5.8, might seem completely obsolete. But an iPhone 5S still has a working camera, a functional processor, and enough RAM to handle simple tasks. It's just not suitable for the modern internet. Safari on iOS 12 can't handle JavaScript features introduced in the last decade. It lacks security patches for dozens of browser exploits. It can't access modern websites safely. But as a dedicated messaging device, it remains perfectly functional.
The same logic applies to devices like the iPhone 6S and iPhone 7, which received iOS 15.8.6. These devices from 2015 and 2016 have more capable hardware. They can run modern apps reasonably well. But they're locked out of iOS 18 and iOS 19, so they represent a strange middle ground: too old to be primary phones, but too functional to throw away.
Apple's release notes hint at the real-world use cases. In a rare moment of candor, the company acknowledged that older devices "find second or third lives as single-use appliances and simple messaging devices." This is accurate. An iPhone 5S makes an excellent bedside device for a kid. It can run white noise apps, serve as a nightstand clock, and receive calls or messages if needed, all without the parent needing to worry about data usage on their primary plan.
In developing markets, the situation is even more pronounced. An iPhone 6 or iPhone 7 is a legitimate option for someone who can't afford the current $1000+ flagship models. It still runs modern apps reasonably well, still connects to the internet, still makes phone calls and sends messages. Supporting these devices for a few extra years has real value for real people.
There's also the environmental angle. Extending the useful life of a smartphone by even a few years reduces electronic waste. Manufacturing a new phone requires rare earth minerals, energy, and generates carbon emissions. Keeping an older phone functional for longer is more sustainable than forcing upgrades every two years. Apple positions itself as environmentally conscious, and supporting old devices aligns with that message, even if it's not the primary motivation.
The recent iOS updates extend support for devices up to 12 years old, highlighting Apple's commitment to longevity.
How iOS Support Works: The Documented Lifecycle
Apple's official support policy states that iPhones and iPads receive major OS updates for five to seven years after release, followed by one to two additional years of security-only patches. However, the pattern that emerges from actual releases is more nuanced.
For example, the iPhone 5S was released in September 2013. It received iOS 12 as its final major OS version in 2018, then continued receiving iOS 12 patches through 2023. That's a decade of support, far longer than the official policy suggests. The iPhone 6, released in 2014, received iOS 12 as well and continued receiving patches into 2023.
Meanwhile, devices like the iPhone 6S, released in 2015, made it to iOS 15 and have continued receiving updates through 2025 and beyond. The iPhone 7, also from 2016, reached iOS 16 and continues to receive patches.
This creates a support ladder where older devices continue receiving patches for their final supported OS version even after newer devices have moved on to completely new OS versions. An iPhone 5S on iOS 12 might be getting security patches a full seven years after iOS 12's initial release. This is unusual in the tech industry. Most companies simply stop supporting old platforms entirely.
The reasoning is partly technical and partly practical. iOS updates require significant processing power, RAM, and storage space. An iPhone 5S with just 1GB of RAM physically cannot run iOS 13 or later. Apple could theoretically maintain separate codebases for ultra-old devices, but the engineering effort isn't worth it. Instead, the company maintains older OS versions with minimal patches for as long as the hardware can still function.
This approach creates a de facto support timeline that extends far beyond the official documentation. While Apple doesn't promise to support iOS 12 on iPhone 5S devices through 2027, the renewed certificate suggests that's now the expectation. The company is investing resources to make this reality.
Interestingly, the iOS 17 line did not receive an equivalent certificate renewal. Devices running iOS 17, primarily older iPhone models that can't run iOS 18, will eventually lose iMessage and FaceTime when their certificates expire. This creates an odd situation where iOS 16 users might get longer support than iOS 17 users, simply because iOS 16 users are on older devices and Apple decided to prioritize them.
The Technology Behind the Patch: What Actually Changed
When you download iOS 12.5.8 or iOS 15.8.6, you're not getting a revolutionary update. The file size is small, often just a few hundred megabytes, compared to the gigabytes required for major OS releases. This is because the patch only contains certificate updates and perhaps a few critical bug fixes.
Digitally, a certificate is a cryptographic document that proves identity. When your iPhone tries to connect to Apple's iMessage servers, the server presents a certificate proving it's actually Apple, not an attacker. The certificate is signed by a trusted certificate authority and includes an expiration date. Certificates are typically valid for one to three years, sometimes longer.
For a service like iMessage, the certificate chain works like this: Apple's servers hold a certificate signed by a certificate authority. When your iPhone connects, it verifies that the certificate is valid and hasn't expired. If the certificate expires, modern security protocols reject the connection automatically. There's no warning or fallback. The connection simply fails.
Apple's solution was to issue new certificates with later expiration dates and push updates to old devices to trust these new certificates. This is a straightforward process that requires minimal engineering effort. It's not like fixing bugs in iOS, which might require complex code changes and extensive testing. Certificate renewal is routine maintenance.
The fact that Apple released updates for iOS 12, 15, and 16 simultaneously suggests that the certificate renewal was planned at the same time across all platforms. Perhaps the company reviewed its entire device portfolio, identified which OS versions were still in significant use, and decided to extend support for all of them at once.
What's notably absent is an equivalent update for iOS 17. Devices running iOS 17 include the iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and iPhone 11 series, all of which are more recent than devices stuck on iOS 16. These devices also can't run iOS 18, so they're in a transitional state similar to iOS 16 devices. Yet Apple didn't push a certificate renewal for iOS 17. This might be an oversight, or it might be a deliberate choice to let iOS 17 eventually age out while extending iOS 16 support.
The iOS 18.7.4 update, released at the same time, also included certificate changes. However, this update is less surprising because iOS 18 continues to receive regular security patches for devices that can run it. The certificate renewal for iOS 18 is part of ongoing maintenance, not an exceptional gesture toward old devices.
Services-First Strategy: Why iMessage and FaceTime Mattered Most
Apple chose to renew certificates specifically for iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple account sign-in. This wasn't random. These three services represent the core of how Apple users interact with their devices and with each other. They're also fundamentally different from local OS features.
iMessage is a network service. It requires backend servers, active development, and ongoing maintenance. When someone sends an iMessage from an iPhone 5S running iOS 12, that message goes to Apple's servers, which route it to the recipient. If the certificate is invalid, the entire connection fails. Apple could theoretically maintain separate iMessage endpoints for old OS versions, but it's far easier to just keep the old devices compatible with current endpoints through certificate updates.
FaceTime is similar. It's a real-time communication service that requires server infrastructure to handle call routing, relaying, and encryption. A video call from iOS 12 needs to work with the same backend that serves iOS 19. Certificate management is the cleanest way to maintain this compatibility.
Apple account sign-in is perhaps the most critical service. If you can't sign into your Apple account on an old device, you can't access almost anything. Photos syncing, app downloads, iCloud features, app store purchases—all of these require authentication. Keeping this working is essential for the device to remain useful at all.
What Apple did not patch is the broader OS security posture. Devices running iOS 12 from 2023 onward don't receive patches for new security vulnerabilities discovered in 2024 or 2025. Safari still lacks security protections for modern attack vectors. Third-party apps don't work because developers have dropped support for old iOS versions. The device is increasingly unsecure and incompatible with the modern internet.
Apple's strategy, therefore, is triage. The company identified the absolutely critical services that these old devices depend on and kept those working. Everything else was left to decay. It's the minimal viable support for minimal viable functionality.
This approach also reflects Apple's service-first direction over the past decade. The company makes significantly more money from services than from hardware. Keeping old devices connected to Apple's service infrastructure, even minimally, has strategic value. An old iPhone 5S still counts as a user of iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple services. It still generates data about user behavior, though less than modern devices.
From a purely business perspective, this strategy is more sensible than it appears at first glance. Abandoning old devices entirely would mean losing those service connections. By extending support minimally, Apple maintains a small ongoing revenue stream and keeps those users invested in the ecosystem. When they eventually upgrade, they'll upgrade to iOS because they're already using Apple services on their old devices.
Old iPhones like the 5S and 6 perform well in messaging and calls but struggle significantly with web browsing, app support, and cloud services. Estimated data based on typical user experience.
The Practical Reality: What Old iPhones Can and Can't Do Anymore
If you're considering keeping an old iPhone, it's important to understand its actual capabilities and limitations. A device like the iPhone 5S or iPhone 6 can perform specific tasks reasonably well, but it's increasingly difficult to use as a general-purpose smartphone.
Messaging works fine. iMessage, FaceTime, SMS, and other messaging apps function reasonably well on old devices. This is actually a key use case for older hardware. Parents often give their kids old iPhones to use as messaging devices and entertainment machines. An iPhone 5S is perfectly adequate for this purpose.
Calls work, obviously. Phone calls are one of the last things to break on old hardware. The cellular infrastructure supports decades-old technology because many people still rely on it.
Where things break down is the internet. Safari on iOS 12 struggles with modern websites. New JavaScript features, complex CSS, and streaming media formats aren't supported. You can load some websites, but they'll often be broken or missing content. The security situation is also dire. Safari doesn't have patches for exploits discovered in the last few years. Connecting an iOS 12 device to the internet for sensitive tasks like banking is genuinely risky.
Third-party apps are almost completely gone. Developers stopped supporting iOS 12 years ago. If you try to install apps on an iPhone 5S, you'll find that most modern apps require at least iOS 13, 14, or 15. The App Store has become almost useless for old devices. You're limited to very old app versions if you can install anything at all.
Cloud services have mostly moved on. Google services dropped iOS 12 support. Microsoft products require newer OS versions. Even Apple's own services increasingly require newer iOS versions for full functionality. Older devices are left with a degraded experience.
Battery degradation is also an issue. A device from 2013 or 2015 has a battery that's experienced eight to ten years of charge cycles. Most will have significantly degraded capacity. It's technically possible to replace the battery, but the cost might approach the value of the device itself.
Hardware limitations mean poor performance on even moderately demanding tasks. An iPhone 5S has just 1GB of RAM. Running multiple apps or complex applications causes noticeable slowdown and frequent app crashes. It's frustrating to use.
Despite all these limitations, there are genuine use cases. A kid's device that primarily handles messaging and a few pre-installed games works fine. A car dashboard for navigation using an old offline map app works fine. A nightstand device for alarm clocks and white noise works fine. Essentially, any single-purpose use case can work with old hardware.
Security Implications: The Double-Edged Sword of Extended Support
Extending support for old iOS versions creates an interesting security paradox. On one hand, Apple is preventing a complete service blackout by renewing certificates. On the other hand, devices on iOS 12 haven't received security patches in years. Which is the greater risk?
From a pure security perspective, using iOS 12 in 2025 is dangerous. The OS contains dozens of known, documented security vulnerabilities that have been patched in later versions. An attacker could potentially exploit these vulnerabilities to steal data, gain unauthorized access, or run malicious software. Using such a device for sensitive tasks like accessing financial accounts or handling personal information is risky.
However, the practical risk depends on how the device is used. If an iOS 12 device is used exclusively for messaging on a home WiFi network and never used to visit untrusted websites or install untrusted apps, the actual risk is much lower. The device is relatively isolated from the internet threats that would exploit its vulnerabilities.
Apple's strategy implicitly acknowledges this trade-off. The company decided that keeping iMessage and FaceTime working is important enough to maintain service connectivity, even for insecure devices. It's a pragmatic choice that prioritizes functionality and access to essential services over perfect security.
This creates a responsibility for users. If you're keeping an old device in use, you should understand its security limitations. Don't use it for sensitive financial transactions. Don't use it to access accounts where someone compromising the device would cause real harm. Don't connect it to public WiFi networks where your traffic might be intercepted and exploited.
For the use cases Apple implicitly endorses—messaging, white noise machines, entertainment—the risk is acceptably low. The device is connected to the network in a limited way, performing specific functions, and not accessing highly sensitive information. This is appropriate use of old hardware.
Apple could theoretically provide better security for old devices by backporting security patches to iOS 12. However, this would require maintaining and testing multiple OS versions in parallel, a significant engineering burden. The company has apparently decided that the cost isn't worth the benefit, especially when users have the option to upgrade.
From a broader perspective, this highlights the importance of security in OS design. An OS that remains reasonably secure even without updates for several years would be genuinely innovative. iOS is relatively good at this compared to Android, where devices often stop receiving updates much sooner. But even iOS eventually becomes risky if not updated.
The Contrast with Other Platforms: Android and Windows
Apple's approach to supporting old devices stands out when compared to competitors. Android manufacturers typically provide security updates for three to five years, far shorter than iOS. Windows on older computers receives support for longer periods, but that's partly because Windows devices are usually more powerful and can handle OS updates more easily.
Android's fragmentation makes extended support difficult. Manufacturers like Samsung, Google, and others control their own update schedules. Most Android devices stop receiving updates after three years, sometimes sooner. When updates stop, the device becomes increasingly insecure. There's no equivalent to Apple's practice of renewing certificates on devices that stop receiving updates.
Google has improved this with its Pixel devices, committing to three years of major OS updates and five years of security updates. That's better than most Android manufacturers, but still shorter than iOS's typical support timeline. And Google's commitment applies only to their own hardware, not to Android devices from other makers.
Windows, meanwhile, typically provides security updates for five to ten years depending on the version. Windows 10 received support until 2025. Windows 11 will receive support until 2031. However, Windows users are not using devices from 2013 in the same way iOS users are. The hardware requirements for running current Windows are much higher. A PC from 2013 would likely struggle with current Windows versions.
Apple's approach is unique partly because iOS is specifically designed to run on hardware from across a wide range of release dates. The OS is optimized to run on devices with minimal RAM and storage. This allows older devices to remain functional for longer. An iPhone 5S can run iOS 12 reasonably smoothly because Apple designed the OS to not require excessive resources.
Android, by contrast, has become more resource-hungry over time. Newer versions require more RAM and storage, which means older devices can't actually run them even if manufacturers wanted to support them. This hardware constraint makes extended support impractical for many devices.
The difference reflects design philosophy. Apple controls both hardware and software, allowing for optimization across the entire stack. Apple also commits to longer support timelines as part of its brand promise. Google and other Android manufacturers have to balance support timelines with hardware constraints and fragmentation.
Apple devices maintain full support for up to a decade, whereas Android devices typically see reduced support after just a few years. Estimated data.
The Role of Backward Compatibility in Apple's Design Philosophy
Apple's ability to support devices from more than a decade ago stems from deliberate design choices around backward compatibility. The company prioritizes ensuring that older devices can continue using the OS without forcing expensive upgrades.
This is evident in how iOS handles features. When Apple introduces new features, they're typically optional. If your device doesn't have the hardware to support a feature, the OS simply disables it. You don't get an error or forced update that breaks the device. The OS remains functional even without the new features.
Second, Apple controls the entire ecosystem. The company can make design decisions that account for older hardware. Safari on iOS 12 is slower than Safari on iOS 18, but it still works. It doesn't crash or become unusable just because it's old. Apple engineers tested on old devices and made sure the experience remained acceptable.
Third, Apple commits to long support timelines in its marketing. The company emphasizes that iPhones last longer than Android phones, which is true. This is a competitive advantage that Apple actively protects through engineering effort and policy decisions. Supporting devices like the iPhone 5S through 2027 reinforces this messaging.
This backward compatibility focus creates network effects. If you know your iPhone will receive updates and support for a decade, you're more likely to buy an iPhone. You're less worried about your device becoming obsolete in two years. This drives customer loyalty and justifies Apple's premium pricing.
The contrast with manufacturers that abandon devices quickly is stark. If Android manufacturers stopped supporting phones after two years, consumers would be more hesitant to upgrade beyond the minimum. But because iOS devices remain supported and functional for years, Apple can charge more for the initial device and users accept it as a reasonable long-term investment.
Environmental Impact: Making Hardware Last Longer
While Apple frames extended device support primarily in terms of user benefit and accessibility, there's also a legitimate environmental angle. The electronics industry generates significant electronic waste, and extending the life of devices is one way to reduce this impact.
Manufacturing a smartphone requires mining rare earth elements, processing raw materials, assembling components, and shipping the finished product. All of this has environmental costs: carbon emissions, water usage, habitat disruption, and waste. If a smartphone is used for eight years instead of three years, the environmental impact per year of use drops significantly.
In this context, Apple's decision to support the iPhone 5S through 2027 means the device will have been in use for 14 years. That's 14 years of utility from a single device with all its embedded environmental costs amortized over a long period. Compare this to a scenario where the device was abandoned in 2019 and replaced with a new phone, meaning the environmental costs are amortized over only six years.
Apple has made environmental commitments as part of its corporate responsibility messaging. The company publishes environmental reports detailing carbon emissions, water usage, and waste generation. Extended device support aligns with these commitments. Supporting old devices keeps them out of landfills and reduces the demand for new device manufacturing.
However, it's worth noting that this environmental benefit is secondary to business and user benefit concerns. Apple isn't extending support because of environmental principles; it's extending support because users want it and because it aligns with the company's brand image of product quality and longevity. The environmental benefit is real but is a downstream effect of business decisions rather than the primary driver.
Still, the alignment is valuable. Companies and consumers increasingly care about environmental impact. When Apple can demonstrate that its devices remain useful and supported for longer than competitors' devices, it's a legitimate selling point that also happens to be environmentally beneficial.
The Certificate Expiration Timeline: When Will These Devices Really Stop Working?
The renewals pushed in January 2025 extend certificate validity through January 2027. This creates a specific endpoint when these services would otherwise stop working. However, it's worth understanding what might happen afterward.
Apple could choose to renew the certificates again in 2026 or 2027, extending support further. The company could also let them expire and force devices to upgraded iOS versions. Or, more likely, Apple could renew them again because the engineering effort required is minimal and the benefit to users is significant.
Historically, Apple has extended support multiple times. The iPhone 5S was released in September 2013 and received iOS 12 in 2018 as its final major OS update. It then received security patches for iOS 12 through 2023, a process that already extended support well beyond normal expectations. This January's certificate renewal extends that further.
The pattern suggests that Apple has no hard deadline for abandoning devices. The company extends support as long as the device has a meaningful user base and the support effort remains minimal. When certificate renewal requires minimal engineering, Apple seems willing to do it indefinitely.
What would eventually force devices to stop working is hardware failure. Batteries degrade to the point where the device won't hold a charge. Storage becomes unreliable. Components fail. These hardware limitations matter far more than software support. An iPhone 5S from 2013 might receive certificate renewals through 2030, but the device itself might not remain functional that long due to battery and hardware issues.
Apple could theoretically extend the certificate through an equivalent update for iOS 17 devices, but the company didn't. This might suggest that Apple intends to eventually let iOS 17 devices age out while keeping iOS 16 devices supported. Or it might simply be an oversight that will be corrected in a future update.
For users, the practical implication is that old devices will remain functional for messaging and basic services for several more years, at minimum. Beyond that, it's uncertain, but the trend suggests Apple will continue extending support as long as users need it.
Apple consistently supports devices for 7-9 years, reflecting a commitment to longevity and customer satisfaction. Estimated data based on historical trends.
Market Implications: What This Means for the Upgrade Cycle
Apple's decision to support old devices has interesting implications for the smartphone upgrade cycle and market dynamics. If devices remain functional for over a decade, what does that mean for Apple's sales and market growth?
The simple answer is that it shifts the market from mandatory upgrades to voluntary upgrades. Instead of forcing users to upgrade because their device stops working, Apple is allowing users to upgrade because they want to. This is actually better for the company in several ways.
First, it creates an emotional attachment to the brand. Users who keep their iPhones functional for many years see the company as trustworthy and respectful of their investment. When they do eventually upgrade, they're more likely to stick with iPhone rather than switching to Android. This customer loyalty is extremely valuable.
Second, it expands the market to people who couldn't previously afford new phones. If your old iPhone remains functional for many years, you have less pressure to upgrade to a new one. When you do eventually upgrade, it's a choice rather than a necessity. This actually expands the market because people in developing countries or with limited budgets can afford to buy a phone knowing it will last many years.
Third, it reduces the secondhand market pressure. Older iPhones that remain functional and supported have higher resale value. This is good for Apple indirectly because it makes the initial purchase more attractive (better resale value later) and it keeps people in the Apple ecosystem even when they're buying used devices.
From a market saturation perspective, extended support is also interesting. The developed world smartphone market is fairly saturated. Most people who want a smartphone already have one. Growth has shifted to replacement upgrades and to developing markets. In this context, extending the life of devices in developing markets means more people can afford smartphones, which is a growth opportunity.
Apple has essentially positioned itself as the premium long-term choice: pay more upfront, but your device will remain functional and supported for years longer than a cheaper Android phone. This is a powerful value proposition for customers concerned about total cost of ownership.
The downside, from Apple's perspective, is that extended device support might cannibalize upgrade sales. If your iPhone 6S still works perfectly well, you might not upgrade to an iPhone 16 for several more years. This slows hardware sales in the short term.
However, Apple has offset this by emphasizing services. Even if your hardware doesn't upgrade, your access to Apple services (iCloud, App Store, Apple TV+, Apple Music, and so on) continues to generate revenue. An iPhone 5S still accesses the App Store and can subscribe to services. These services are far more profitable than hardware, so Apple can afford to support old hardware as long as it keeps service users engaged.
Looking Forward: The Future of Old Device Support
It's worth speculating about how Apple will handle old device support in the future. Will the company continue this pattern of extending certificates every few years? Will other manufacturers adopt similar practices? How does this fit into Apple's broader technology roadmap?
First, there's no indication that Apple will stop this practice. The company clearly believes that supporting old devices is valuable from both a brand and a business perspective. As long as the engineering effort remains minimal, expect Apple to continue extending certificate expiration dates for popular older devices.
Second, we might see this pattern expand beyond iMessage and FaceTime. If the company extends support for core services, why not extend support for other features? Apple could theoretically keep weather data, news, and other services working on old devices indefinitely. This is speculative, but it would align with Apple's demonstrated willingness to maintain old devices.
Third, there's interesting potential for Apple to leverage this as a selling point in marketing. The company could explicitly market iPhones as long-term investments that will remain functional and supported for a decade or more. This directly contradicts the common criticism that Apple forces upgrades through obsolescence. Being able to point to specific devices from 2013 that still receive updates is powerful marketing.
Fourth, the technical infrastructure for supporting old devices is becoming easier. As Apple's backend infrastructure becomes more sophisticated and cloud-based, the company can update services without pushing updates to devices. Instead of patching iOS 12 to work with new iMessage servers, Apple could update the iMessage servers to support old protocols indefinitely. This would make extended support even easier.
Finally, this pattern might eventually pressure Android manufacturers to follow suit. If iPhone users expect a decade of support and get it, Android users will increasingly demand the same from manufacturers. We're already seeing this with Google's Pixel commitment, which has gradually extended support timelines. Expect this trend to continue as consumers value longevity more.
The Broader Context: Apple's Historical Approach to Device Support
Understanding why Apple renewed certificates for old iOS versions becomes clearer when you look at the company's historical pattern of device support. This isn't a new strategy; it's consistent with how Apple has always handled hardware aging.
Consider the Mac. Macs from the early 2010s can still run modern macOS (albeit sometimes with limitations). Apple continues to support these devices for many years. A MacBook Pro from 2012 can theoretically still receive some updates, though at some point you hit hardware limitations that prevent running the latest OS.
Apple's OS design philosophy emphasizes maintaining backward compatibility whenever possible. New versions of iOS are designed to run on older hardware, sometimes with reduced features but maintaining basic functionality. This is a deliberate engineering choice that requires extra effort and testing but pays dividends in customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
The company even maintains support for ancient devices in some contexts. Older Apple Watches can still sync with newer iPhones. Older Macs can still connect to newer iPhones. Apple invests in maintaining cross-platform compatibility because the ecosystem is more valuable when all devices work together.
In this context, the certificate renewal for iOS 12, 15, and 16 isn't unusual. It's Apple staying true to its design philosophy of supporting devices for as long as practically possible. It's also consistent with Apple's historical approach to every product category.
What is perhaps remarkable is how long these devices have already been supported. Seven to eight years of updates for an iOS device is genuinely impressive compared to the industry norm. But for Apple, it's consistent with how the company has always operated: building products designed to last, supporting them for years, and creating an ecosystem where devices remain useful even when they're old by tech standards.
This long-term support is built into Apple's pricing strategy. iPhones cost more than comparable Android phones, but they also last longer and remain supported longer. Users accept higher upfront costs because the total cost of ownership over 5-10 years is competitive with cheaper phones that need replacement sooner. Apple's certificate renewal strategy is simply the company backing up its promise that iPhones remain useful for years.
Estimated data shows that old iPhones are most commonly used in developing markets (30%) and as parental control devices (25%). Other uses include multitasking reduction, hobby collection, and car integration.
Real-World Use Cases: How People Actually Use Old iPhones
It's worth examining real-world use cases for old iPhones to understand why Apple's extended support matters in practice. These aren't hypothetical scenarios; they're situations that millions of people encounter.
Parental Control Devices: A parent gives their child a used iPhone 5S to use for communicating with family. The child can send and receive messages, make calls to approved contacts, and use a few pre-loaded apps. The device doesn't need to access the internet or run modern apps. The parent doesn't want to spend $600 on a new iPhone for a young child. An older device with basic functionality is perfect. Apple's extended certificate support means this device continues working as intended.
Multitasking Reduction: Some people use an old iPhone as a dedicated device for one task, reducing multitasking and distraction. A user keeps an iPhone 6S at home for messaging while leaving their iPhone 15 Pro at work for professional tasks. They specifically want an older device for this purpose because it has fewer apps and less temptation to endless scrolling. The extended support means the device continues working reliably.
Hobby and Collection: Tech enthusiasts collect older Apple devices as part of a collection. They appreciate the historical significance of an iPhone 5S from 2013 and want to maintain it in working condition. Having the device remain functional with iMessage and FaceTime support maintains its value and appeal as a collector's item.
Developing Market Usage: Someone in a developing country buys a used iPhone 6 imported from a wealthier country. The device is affordable secondhand but would be unaffordable new. They use it as their primary smartphone, relying on the basic functionality that iOS 15 provides. Apple's extended support keeps this device usable and secure enough for their purposes.
Car Dashboard Integration: An older iPhone is mounted in a car dashboard as a dedicated navigation device or music player. The device doesn't need modern features or apps. It just needs basic functionality and iMessage/FaceTime for safety features. Having it continue working through 2027 means the person doesn't need to invest in an expensive car integration system.
IoT and Home Automation: Someone uses an old iPad running iOS 12 as a dedicated home automation hub. The device controls smart lights, locks, and other home devices. It doesn't need to be upgraded because it's not used as a general-purpose device. Apple's certificate support ensures the device continues communicating with Apple's home infrastructure.
These aren't fringe cases. Millions of people worldwide use old iPhones in these ways. Apple's decision to extend support recognizes this reality and commits to keeping these devices functional.
The Engineering Perspective: What Minimal Support Actually Means
From an engineering perspective, it's worth understanding what Apple actually did when it released these certificate updates. The company didn't recompile iOS 12, didn't run extensive testing, didn't refactor code, and didn't fix bugs. Apple literally updated digital certificates and pushed them to devices.
This is about as minimal an engineering effort as possible while still being a meaningful update. It demonstrates that Apple can maintain old OS versions with virtually zero development burden, assuming the underlying OS architecture remains stable.
The fact that Apple could do this in January 2025 for an OS that stopped receiving regular updates in January 2023 suggests that iOS 12's codebase is still being maintained somewhere in Apple's infrastructure. When Apple decides to support an OS, the company keeps the build system, testing infrastructure, and distribution mechanisms in place, even if no one is actively developing new features.
The effort required is essentially: an engineer identifies that certificates are expiring, requests new certificates with extended expiration dates, and pushes a build update. It's a few hours of work at most, possibly less with automation.
This has interesting implications. It means Apple could theoretically extend support for iOS 12 indefinitely with minimal ongoing effort. If the company committed to supporting iOS 12 through 2037, the engineering burden would be negligible compared to the value it provides to users.
The limiting factors are entirely non-technical. Apple could always extend support if it wanted to. The reason the company doesn't guarantee support forever is probably legal and financial conservatism, not technical limitations.
This also highlights the importance of backward compatibility in OS design. iOS is specifically designed to allow old versions to remain functional with minimal patches. If iOS required extensive changes for each security update or service upgrade, extending support would be impractical. But because iOS is relatively stable, minimal updates are possible.
Compare this to some Android devices, where the OEM-modified version of Android is so tied to specific hardware drivers and customizations that updating even a single device requires extensive revalidation and testing. This is one reason Android devices receive fewer updates than iPhones. The engineering burden is much higher.
Apple's design philosophy of separating the OS from hardware-specific code means the company can maintain old OS versions with less effort. This is a deliberate architectural choice that enables extended support.
The Certificate Expiration Deadline: A Clarification
It's important to be precise about what the January 2027 expiration date means. The certificates for iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple account services are set to expire at that time. Apple renewed them, pushing the expiration date further into the future. But the question of exactly how far is interesting.
Apple's press releases don't specify the new expiration dates. We know only that they extend past January 2027. Typical certificates are valid for one to three years. If Apple renewed these for three years, they'd expire in January 2028. If for five years, January 2030. The company hasn't provided specifics.
This ambiguity might be intentional. By not announcing a specific expiration date, Apple avoids committing to anything. The company can extend support again in 2027 or 2028 without having previously promised to do so. This gives Apple maximum flexibility.
For users, the practical impact is that you have at least two more years (from January 2025 to January 2027) where iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple account services will definitely work on old devices. Beyond that, it's uncertain but likely, based on Apple's pattern, that the company will extend support again.
The key insight is that these devices aren't on a ticking clock toward obsolescence. Apple isn't creating a deadline for forced upgrades. The company is extending support incrementally, one renewal at a time, as long as devices have meaningful user bases and the support effort remains minimal.
This approach is actually more customer-friendly than it might first appear. If Apple had announced that iOS 12 support ends on a specific date years in the future, users would have that deadline hanging over them. Instead, Apple updates as needed, and users don't have to worry about an arbitrary obsolescence date.
Comparing Old Device Support: Apple vs. The Industry
To appreciate how unusual Apple's extended support is, it's worth comparing it directly to what other manufacturers provide for similarly aged devices.
Android manufacturers typically commit to three years of major OS updates and three additional years of security patches. A device from 2015 would receive updates through 2018 and security patches through 2021. By 2025, a 2015 Android device would receive nothing. iMessage, FaceTime, and other services would work fine because they're Google services not tied to OS versions. But the OS itself would not be receiving any support.
Apple's iPhone 6S from 2015 is still receiving security patches and service updates in 2025. That's a decade of support for core services, far more than the Android norm.
Windows provides longer support, but Windows is a desktop OS where devices tend to be more powerful and replacements less frequent. Windows 10 received support for a decade. However, Windows users from 2015 who didn't upgrade to Windows 10 would be left behind. A device running Windows Vista from 2007 wouldn't receive updates anymore. The support timeline is long, but devices eventually fall off the edge.
Linux devices receive support for as long as their maintainers wish, but most Linux devices are servers or developer machines, not consumer devices. The comparison isn't directly applicable.
iPhone's support timeline stands out for a consumer device. Ten years of updates and service support is genuinely unusual. It reflects Apple's commitment to backward compatibility and the company's strategy of premium pricing for long-term value.
Samsung's newer devices receive up to five years of OS updates and four additional years of security updates, which is longer than historical Android support but still shorter than iPhone's typical timeline. Samsung's older devices don't benefit from this commitment, so a 2015 Samsung device receives much shorter support than a 2015 iPhone.
Google's Pixel devices follow a similar pattern to new Samsung devices: longer support than before, but not matching iPhone's support timeline. And this commitment applies only to Google's own hardware, not to Android devices generally.
Apple's approach is uniquely comprehensive and long-term. No other manufacturer matches it for consumer devices.
The Ecosystem Lock-In Question: Is Extended Support Creating Dependence?
A reasonable criticism of Apple's extended support strategy is that it creates lock-in and dependence. By keeping iMessage and FaceTime working on old devices, Apple ensures that users remain connected to Apple's services ecosystem. This creates inertia that makes switching to Android less appealing.
If your family and friends are all on iPhone using iMessage, and you're using an iPhone 5S because it still works, you're disincentivized from switching to Android. iMessage doesn't work on Android. Switching would mean losing message thread history, dealing with SMS instead of iMessage, and breaking the cohesion of your family communication.
Apple is aware of this and has been criticized for it. The company could theoretically support iMessage on Android, which would reduce lock-in, but it doesn't. The exclusivity of iMessage is a feature from Apple's perspective, not a bug.
Extending support to old devices amplifies this lock-in effect. Users with old, inexpensive devices continue using iMessage and other Apple services. They remain in the ecosystem even if they can't afford or don't want to upgrade. This is valuable for Apple's long-term strategy.
However, the lock-in critique shouldn't overshadow the genuine value being provided. Users genuinely benefit from having their old devices continue working. Extended support is helpful and appreciated by users, even if it also serves Apple's business interests.
This is a situation where aligned incentives make both users and Apple happy. Users want their devices to last. Apple wants users to stay in the ecosystem. Extended support accomplishes both goals. It's not zero-sum; it's genuinely beneficial for both parties.
The ecosystem lock-in is real, but it's also relatively benign compared to the lock-in created by other companies. Apple is making it easier for users to stay in its ecosystem by keeping old devices functional. Users can choose to switch if they want, but doing so is less appealing if their old iPhone still works perfectly fine. That's not malicious or unusual; it's how competitive advantage typically works.
The Message to Users: What Apple Is Really Saying
When Apple renews certificates for devices from 2013 and 2014, what message is the company sending to users? On the surface, it's simply "your old device will continue working." But there's more to it.
Apple is saying that the company respects the investment users made in its devices years ago. The company could easily abandon these devices, and the financial impact would be minimal. Instead, Apple chooses to keep them working. This sends a signal about the company's values and commitment to users.
Apple is also saying that the company recognizes a responsibility to maintain a functioning ecosystem. The company could let iMessage fail on old devices and force upgrades. Instead, Apple invests the minimal effort required to keep services working. This demonstrates that Apple prioritizes user benefit over maximizing upgrade pressure.
Apple is saying that it values longevity and sustainability. By supporting devices for over a decade, Apple is explicitly taking a position against the throwaway consumer electronics culture that dominates much of the industry. This aligns with Apple's environmental commitments and corporate messaging.
Apple is saying that the company believes devices should remain useful for as long as possible. This is a radical statement in tech, where planned obsolescence is common. Apple is saying the opposite: we'll keep your device functional as long as we can.
Finally, Apple is implicitly saying that iPhones are worth the premium price because they last longer and receive support longer than competitors' devices. The extended support is a direct manifestation of the value proposition Apple markets: premium devices that remain functional and valuable for years.
Users interpreting these signals will feel greater loyalty and trust toward Apple. They'll see the company as respectful of their investment and concerned with user benefit over maximizing short-term revenue. This is powerful marketing that costs Apple very little to deliver (minimal engineering effort) but creates enormous goodwill.
It's a brilliant strategy that benefits both Apple and users. Apple maintains customer loyalty and lock-in while incurring minimal costs. Users get to keep using devices that still work, maintaining their connection to friends and family on iMessage, and deferring the expensive purchase of a new phone. Everyone wins.
FAQ
What exactly did Apple patch in iOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 16.7.13?
These updates don't patch security vulnerabilities or add features. According to Apple's release notes, they exclusively renew the digital security certificates that authenticate connections to iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple account sign-in services. These certificates were set to expire in January 2027, which would have prevented these services from working on affected devices. The patches preemptively renew the certificates to extend service availability.
Why would Apple spend engineering resources patching operating systems that stopped receiving regular updates months or years ago?
Apple invests minimal effort in these patches, as renewing digital certificates requires only updating the certificate files and pushing a build—roughly a few hours of work. This minimal investment provides substantial value by ensuring millions of users with older devices can continue accessing essential services. It also reinforces Apple's brand positioning that iPhones remain functional for many years longer than competitor devices, justifying the premium pricing.
Which devices receive these updates, and how old are they?
The iOS 12.5.8 update supports the iPhone 5S (2013) and iPhone 6 (2014), making them 11 to 12 years old. The iOS 15.8.6 update supports the iPhone 6S and iPhone 7 (2015-2016), making them 9 to 10 years old. The iOS 16.7.13 update supports the iPhone 8 and iPhone X (2017-2018), making them 7 to 8 years old. All these devices have long since stopped receiving major OS updates but continue to receive minimal maintenance patches.
Can I safely use an iOS 12 device in 2025 despite it not receiving regular security patches?
Using iOS 12 involves security trade-offs. The OS contains documented vulnerabilities that have been patched in newer iOS versions and will not receive further patches. However, the actual risk depends on how you use the device. If the device is used exclusively for messaging on a home WiFi network and doesn't visit untrusted websites or install untrusted apps, the practical risk is relatively low. However, you should never use an old iOS device for sensitive financial transactions or accessing accounts where compromised security would cause real harm. The safest approach is limiting usage to single-purpose functions like messaging.
What happens to these devices when the renewed certificates expire?
Apple has not announced when the newly renewed certificates will expire, though they extend at least past January 2027. Based on Apple's historical pattern of extending support multiple times, the company will likely renew certificates again before they expire, further extending device functionality. However, Apple could also eventually let the certificates expire and require devices to run newer iOS versions, though this seems unlikely given the company's demonstrated commitment to supporting very old hardware.
Why didn't Apple push an equivalent update for iOS 17 devices?
This is notable since iOS 17 devices like the iPhone XS and iPhone XR can't run iOS 18, putting them in a similar situation to iOS 16 devices. Apple may have simply overlooked this in its initial update batch, or the company may be deliberately prioritizing iOS 16 for extended support. It's also possible a future update will address iOS 17 certificate renewal. Apple hasn't publicly explained this decision.
How does Apple's device support compare to Android manufacturers?
Apple's support is significantly longer. Most Android manufacturers commit to three years of major OS updates and three additional years of security patches, meaning a 2015 device stops receiving all support by 2021. Apple's iPhone 6S from 2015 continues receiving updates and service support in 2025—a decade of support. Only newer premium brands like Samsung (five years of updates) and Google Pixel (up to five years of updates) approach Apple's timeline, and even these don't match Apple's historical patterns. No other mainstream smartphone manufacturer matches Apple's extended support for devices over a decade old.
Why does Apple care about supporting devices that don't generate hardware revenue?
Extended support generates several business benefits. It maintains user loyalty and creates ecosystem lock-in through services like iMessage and FaceTime. Users are less likely to switch to Android if their iPhone continues working perfectly for messaging. Extended support also justifies Apple's premium pricing—users accept higher upfront costs knowing devices remain functional and supported for many years. Additionally, it aligns with Apple's brand positioning around product quality and longevity, which is valuable in marketing and competitive positioning. These business benefits outweigh the minimal engineering costs.
Can older iPhones use modern apps and browse the modern internet safely?
No. Safari on iOS 12 lacks security patches and features needed for modern websites and encounters frequent compatibility issues. Third-party apps have almost entirely dropped iOS 12 support, making the App Store mostly unusable. Cloud services like Google and Microsoft products have abandoned iOS 12 compatibility. Attempting to use an iOS 12 device for general internet browsing or accessing modern web applications is frustrating and insecure. Older devices work best for single-purpose functions like messaging, white noise machines, or offline entertainment where minimal internet interaction is required.
Conclusion: The Bigger Picture Behind Certificate Renewals
When you step back and look at Apple's decision to patch iOS versions that haven't received regular updates in years, it's easy to see it as a minor maintenance task. The company renewed some certificates, sent out some patches, and moved on. The direct impact is relatively small: a few million devices get to keep using iMessage and FaceTime for a couple more years.
But the decision reveals something important about how Apple thinks about its responsibilities to users and its role in the technology ecosystem. In an industry defined by planned obsolescence and rapid upgrade cycles, Apple is making a choice to slow that cycle down. The company is saying that devices can remain useful and supported even when they're over a decade old.
This isn't altruism. Apple benefits substantially from extended support through ecosystem lock-in, brand loyalty, and the competitive advantage of products that last longer than competitors' offerings. But the fact that Apple's interests align with users' interests doesn't make the choice less meaningful. The company is using its market power to make devices last longer rather than to maximize upgrade pressure.
The technical implementation is straightforward and requires minimal engineering effort. But the business and strategic implications are significant. Apple is committing, implicitly if not explicitly, to supporting old devices as long as the hardware remains in use and the support burden remains minimal. This is a powerful statement about product longevity and user respect.
For users, the immediate benefit is clear: their old devices continue working. A 12-year-old iPhone 5S can still send messages and make FaceTime calls. That functionality enables real use cases: parents giving kids messaging devices, people using single-purpose appliances, developing-market users with limited budgets. These are meaningful benefits that improve people's lives.
For the broader technology ecosystem, Apple's approach demonstrates that supporting old hardware is possible and profitable when designed correctly. Other manufacturers could follow Apple's example by designing OSes for backward compatibility, committing to longer support timelines, and maintaining the engineering infrastructure needed to push minimal patches to old devices.
Apple's certificate renewal strategy is unlikely to become industry standard. Most competitors prioritize maximizing upgrade velocity rather than supporting old devices. But Apple's success with this approach—maintaining premium pricing while extending device support—proves that there's a viable alternative to the throwaway consumer electronics model that dominates most of the industry.
As technology becomes increasingly central to people's lives and as environmental concerns about electronic waste grow, expect to see more pressure on manufacturers to support devices longer. Apple's approach to supporting iPhones for over a decade provides a blueprint for how this can be done.
The next time your iPhone gets a patch for a service you thought was outdated, remember that someone at Apple made a choice to invest resources in keeping your device functional. That choice reflects a particular philosophy about technology, user relationships, and corporate responsibility. Whether you believe it's purely motivated by business interests or represents genuine commitment to users, the practical outcome is the same: your device continues to work, and your connection to the Apple ecosystem remains intact.
That's worth understanding and appreciating, regardless of your feelings about Apple's other practices or the technology industry's broader trajectory.
Key Takeaways
- Apple renewed digital certificates on iOS 12, 15, and 16 to keep iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple account sign-in working through January 2027, despite these OS versions stopping regular updates months or years ago
- Devices like the iPhone 5S (2013) and iPhone 6 (2014) represent a decade of support, far exceeding industry standards where most Android devices receive updates for just 3-5 years
- These minimal patches require only a few hours of engineering effort, as they simply renew certificate files rather than fixing bugs or adding features, making extended support economically feasible
- Millions of older iPhones serve practical second-life purposes as messaging devices, kids' tablets, car controls, and home automation hubs where basic functionality remains entirely adequate
- Apple's extended support strategy aligns company interests with user benefit by maintaining ecosystem lock-in while creating customer loyalty, justifying premium pricing through long-term device viability
