what iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and iPhone SE support means
With the arrival of iOS 13 a week ago came the issue of iPhone compatibility. For the first time in two years, an iPhone falls off the list of devices that will be able to install the new version of iOS. The iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will not be compatible with iOS 13 when the update is released this September.
If you’re a user of one of these iPhones, you’re probably wondering what will happen from then on. Let’s take a closer look.
There are still updates pending for your iPhone
You may find it strange that iOS 12 will still receive updates between now and September, just as iOS 13 is coming out. Well, there is at least one more update that has to come out: iOS 12.4 . Right now, we are in our third beta and a new developer test version may be released this week.
On Apple iOS 13 and iPadOS Compatibility: Find out if your iPhone or iPad can be upgraded
This version of iOS brings support for the Apple Card and other new wallet features. In addition, it will come with the typical ration bug fixes and security patches . There is also the possibility that we will have a smaller intermediate version, such as iOS 12.3.2, or an additional later version, such as iOS 12.4.1, that will correct a bug or be a major security patch.
What will happen to my iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, or iPhone 6 Plus when iOS 13 arrives
With the arrival of iOS 13, your iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus will no longer be able to install the latest compatible iOS version . You will no longer be able to enjoy features such as dark mode, the redesigned Reminder, Home, and Map apps, and the improved Photo, Camera, and new AirPod features. Plus performance improvements.
An iPhone without software updates will remain fully functional and it will take years for apps to be removed
However, not receiving this iOS 13 update does not mean that your iPhone will stop working . On the contrary, it will remain operational as long as the device is working. However, over time, it is possible that support for third-party apps and even services may no longer be operational on your model.
But for this to happen, a lot of time has to pass. The example that most often matters to users is WhatsApp. Well, to give you an idea of the type of support you can expect , on February 1st, 2020 WhatsApp will remove support for iPhone with iOS 7 or earlier. This means that when iOS 13 has been on the road for half a year, iPhones with an eight-year-old version of iOS will no longer be able to use the app. You have plenty of time left.
What can I do if I want to have iOS 13
If the new features of iOS 13 catch your eye or you simply need to upgrade your iPhone and iOS 13 support is one more reason to do so , you don’t have many options. You’re going to have to buy another iPhone that is compatible with this version of iOS.
That translates into getting an iPhone from the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus or iPhone SE . Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid paying the full cost, which we remind you of below:
- Keep an iPhone 6s or higher from a family member who has decided to renew theirs.
- Give your old iPhone to Apple when you buy a new one from their store. You’ll always get a discount, no matter how small.
- Sell your old model, although there are probably few interested parties.
- Check with your operator to see if you can get one financed or at a lower price.
- In our weekly Bargain Hunts, we usually have several iPhone offers at very reduced prices.
The problem with getting a iPhone 6s, 6s Plus or SE is that they are the latest models to support iOS 13. We now know that iOS 12 support, which gave 6 years of updates to the iPhone 5s, was an exception and that Apple is going to target 5 years as the average lifespan of iOS versions. So those iPhone models will probably be out next year, so you would be back in the same situation in a year.
Therefore, my recommendation is that you write down for at least one iPhone 7 . And if it were possible to choose a more modern iPhone, I would go for the iPhone XR. It is easy to find it for 699 euros, as in this offer. Another option is to wait until September and have Apple bring out the new generation, reducing the prices of the current one.
