If you’re still rocking an iPhone 12, you’ve probably noticed something lately. Your phone isn't exactly the "new kid" anymore. It's been around. It's seen some stuff.
Honestly, the iPhone 12 was a massive deal when it dropped in 2020. It brought back the flat edges, gave us 5G for the first time, and introduced MagSafe. But now it’s 2026. Tech moves fast, and you might be wondering if Apple is about to pull the rug out from under you.
The short answer? You’re safe for a while. But the long answer is a bit more nuanced, especially since we just saw the release of iOS 26.
How long will iPhone 12 be supported with major software?
Apple is famously tight-lipped about exact "kill dates" for their hardware. They don’t just hand out a calendar. However, we can look at the patterns. Traditionally, Apple provides major iOS updates for about six or seven years.
Right now, in early 2026, the iPhone 12 is fully compatible with iOS 26.
Think about that. It’s a six-year-old phone running the absolute latest software alongside the brand-new iPhone 17 series. That’s impressive. But the clock is ticking. Looking at how Apple handled the iPhone XS and XR (which were cut off from iOS 26), the iPhone 11 is likely next on the chopping block.
If history is our teacher, the how long will iPhone 12 be supported question points to a likely end-of-life for major OS updates around late 2027.
Basically, you should expect to get iOS 27 next year. That will probably be the final "big" version for this specific hardware. After that, you’ll likely stay on a version of iOS 27 while the newer phones move on to iOS 28 in 2028.
Security updates vs. New features
There is a huge difference between getting "the new emoji update" and your phone actually being safe to use.
Apple has changed their tune lately. They used to stop everything at once. Now, they frequently release "security only" patches for older versions of iOS. Even after the iPhone 12 stops getting the flashy new features of 2028 or 2029, Apple will likely keep pushing critical security fixes.
🔗 Read more: Getting Your HP Printer to Connect to the Internet Without Losing Your Mind
For example, look at the iPhone 8. It’s been "retired" from major updates for a while, yet it received security patches well into 2025.
You can realistically expect your iPhone 12 to be "secure" until roughly 2029 or 2030. That’s a decade of life. Most Android phones from 2020 are already sitting in junk drawers or running dangerously outdated software.
The Vintage and Obsolete problem
Apple uses two very specific words that sound scary but just refer to repairs: Vintage and Obsolete.
- Vintage: This happens when a product hasn't been sold for more than five years. Since Apple stopped selling the iPhone 12 through official channels around late 2023, it will likely hit the "Vintage" list in 2028. You can still get it fixed at an Apple Store, but only if they have the parts in the back.
- Obsolete: This is the end of the road. Seven years after sales end. Around 2030, the iPhone 12 will be "Obsolete." At that point, Apple won't touch it. You'll be relying on third-party repair shops and eBay parts.
Real-world performance in 2026
I’ve been using a 12 Pro as a secondary device this week. Kinda surprising how well it holds up, honestly. The A14 Bionic chip was way ahead of its time.
👉 See also: Challenger space shuttle bodies recovered: The difficult truth about the 1986 salvage
Apps still open quickly. Scrolling is smooth. But there are cracks.
The battery is usually the first thing to go. If you’re still on your original battery from 2020, your "Maximum Capacity" in settings is probably in the low 80s or high 70s. That’s going to make the phone feel slow because iOS will throttle the CPU to prevent the phone from just dying.
Another thing: 5G. The iPhone 12 was the first 5G iPhone, but it uses an older modem. It’s not as efficient or as fast as the modems in the iPhone 15 or 17. You’ll notice more "dead spots" or slower speeds compared to your friends with newer models, even on the same network.
Should you upgrade or hold on?
It depends on what you care about. If you just want a phone that works, texts, and scrolls TikTok, keep it.
However, there is one big reason to consider moving on this year: Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 12 simply doesn't have the RAM or the Neural Engine power to handle the heavy AI features Apple has been baking into iOS 25 and 26. You’re missing out on the smarter Siri, the system-wide writing tools, and the advanced photo editing.
Also, the cameras. The jump from the 12 to the 17 is massive. We’re talking about moving from a 12MP main sensor to much larger high-res sensors with significantly better low-light performance.
Actionable steps for iPhone 12 owners
If you’ve decided to keep your iPhone 12 for another year or two, do these three things right now to make it last:
- Swap the battery: Go to an Apple Store or an authorized provider. A $89 battery replacement will make the phone feel 50% faster because it stops the CPU throttling.
- Audit your storage: iOS 26 is bulky. If you’re pushing the limits of your 64GB or 128GB storage, the phone will lag. Offload unused apps to the cloud.
- Check your charging port: After six years, there’s likely pocket lint in there. Clean it out gently with a wooden toothpick if your MagSafe or Lightning cable feels loose.
The iPhone 12 is entering its "senior years," but it's far from dead. You've got at least 18 months of prime software support left and several years of security safety beyond that. Enjoy the flat edges while they’re still relevant.
📖 Related: Lisa Zhang Groq Investment: What the AI Hype Gets Right (and Wrong)
Next Steps:
Check your battery health by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If it is below 80%, schedule a replacement soon to ensure you can actually make it to the end of the support cycle without the phone becoming a permanent paperweight.