YOUR iPhone could become “dangerous” today – so it might be time to upgrade.
Millions of older iPhones are about to be cut off from the latest software updates.
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.
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Apple announced the new iOS back in June at its WWDC 2022, and then announced the iOS 16 release date at September’s special Far Out event for the iPhone 14.
You’ll be able to get iOS 16 from Monday, September 12.
But not all models will be able to upgrade to iOS 16 – 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:
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.
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.
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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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