IF you’ve got a really old iPhone then it’s time to upgrade.
Very old iPhone models are now considered dangerous – so you need to check your handset now.
1
This week Apple dropped the new iOS 16.0.3 update.
It’s a follow-on from the major iOS 16 update that landed in September.
But millions of iPhone owners won’t be able to upgrade to either software version – and that’s a huge risk.
You’ll miss out on new features, which might not sound too bad.
But it also means you’ll lose access to the regular security updates that keep you safe.
Each year Apple releases a brand new iOS, which is the software your iPhone runs on.
These iOS updates add new features, but they also include vital security updates that close holes exploited by hackers.
Not all models can upgrade to iOS 16 and iOS 16.0.3.
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Even some iPhones that could get iOS 15 will be cut off, including the iPhone 7.
That means they’ll start missing out on security updates.
Apple can’t support all iPhones forever – so very old iPhone models often lose access to updates.
Sometimes these old iPhones don’t have the power to support new features, or not enough people are using them to warrant providing an update.
Now the iPhone 6S, iPhone 7 and 1st-generation iPhone SE will be cut off by Apple.
These handsets were compatible with 15.6.1, but won’t get iOS 16.
If you’re using older iPhones than that, you’re already cut off, so you should upgrade to a newer model immediately.
Here’s the full list of iOS 16 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)
Welcome to the danger-phone
If you’re using an older iPhone, you’ll simply need to upgrade your handset to a newer device to access iOS 16.
Not being able to get the latest iOS means you’ll lose access to the most up-to-date security fixes.
These are vital patches that close holes used by hackers to access your systems.
So using a very old iPhone that can’t be updated could put you at risk.
If you can’t update to iOS 16, consider upgrading your iPhone sooner rather than later.
In any case, iOS 16 is packed with new features that might tempt you.
This includes a new Lock Screen with widgets, stylised Portrait wallpapers, and notifications that roll up from the bottom.
Messages is also getting a major update that lets you edit or recall recently send messages, as well as recover recently deleted messages.
You can also mark conversations as unread.
iHope…
There is some hope for owners of older iPhone models.
Normally old iPhone units are cut off from updates – but Apple made a rare exception two weeks ago.
The tech giant issued an unusually generous security update for the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to defend against a hack attack.
These old models normally no longer receive iOS updates, so it was good news for people who have held on to their devices.
Sadly it’s impossible to say whether Apple will keep doing this in the future.
So if you want the best chance at keeping hackers locked out, consider upgrading to a newer model that can get iOS 16.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
