It happens every single year. You wake up, check your notifications, and see that shiny new software update alert. But for a specific group of people in 2025, that alert isn't coming. Instead, they’re staring at a device that has officially reached the end of the line.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a gut punch when you realize the phone you’ve spent years with is suddenly "vintage" in Apple’s eyes. If you’re carrying an older model, you’ve probably noticed it’s been getting a little sluggish lately. Maybe the battery doesn’t quite make it to dinner time anymore, or apps take an extra beat to open.
But there is a massive difference between a "slow" phone and one that is officially cut off.
The Reality of What iPhones Will Stop Working in 2025
Let’s cut to the chase. When people ask what iphones will stop working in 2025, they usually mean one of two things: which ones won’t get the new iOS 19 (or iOS 26, as the new naming convention suggests) and which ones are literally becoming paperweights.
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Apple has a rhythm. They generally support a device for about six to seven years. Once that window closes, the hardware simply can’t keep up with the demands of new features—especially now that Apple is leaning so heavily into AI and high-end processing.
The Hit List: Devices Losing Major Support
If you are holding one of these, 2025 is your "final" year for major software updates. The biggest names on the chopping block this year are the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and the iPhone XR.
These phones were revolutionary when they dropped in 2018. The XR, in particular, was the "everyman's" iPhone that stayed popular for years because of its crazy-good battery life and colorful options. But they all run on the A12 Bionic chip. In the world of silicon, that’s basically an eternity. With the release of the newest iOS version in September 2025, these three models will be frozen on iOS 18 forever.
- iPhone XR: No more major features after 2025.
- iPhone XS: Stuck on the current software version.
- iPhone XS Max: Reaching its software ceiling.
It's not just the 2018 models, though. If you're still rocking an iPhone 8, 8 Plus, or the original iPhone X, you've actually been "stopped" for a while now. These devices couldn't even make the jump to iOS 17 or 18. In 2025, they move further into the "obsolete" category, where even minor security patches start to dry up.
Does "Stop Working" Mean It Won't Turn On?
Short answer? No.
Long answer? It's complicated.
Your iPhone XR isn't going to spontaneously combust or turn into a brick on September 1st. You can still make calls. You can still send green bubbles (or blue ones, for now). You can still scroll through your photos. But "working" is a relative term in tech.
Think about your banking app. Most major banks—Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America—require a relatively recent version of iOS to run their apps for security reasons. Once your phone stops getting updates, you're on a ticking clock. Within 12 to 18 months, those apps will likely prompt you to update your OS. When you can't, the app simply stops opening.
That’s when the phone actually stops working for most of us.
Why Apple Is Pulling the Plug Now
It isn't just about selling more phones—though, let’s be real, that’s always part of it. The real culprit is the hardware gap. Apple is currently obsessed with "Apple Intelligence." They are trying to shove complex machine learning and local LLMs (Large Language Models) into your pocket.
The A12 Bionic chip in the iPhone XS simply doesn't have the "Neural Engine" horsepower to handle what Apple wants to do next. If they tried to force the 2025 software onto an iPhone XR, the phone would likely overheat, the battery would drain in two hours, and the interface would lag so badly you'd want to throw it against a wall.
Essentially, Apple chooses to end support to maintain a "quality" experience, even if that feels like forced obsolescence to the person who just wants their phone to work.
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The Security Risk Nobody Talks About
This is the part that actually matters. When a phone stops getting major updates, it eventually stops getting security patches.
Hackers are constantly finding new "zero-day" vulnerabilities in iOS. Apple is usually great at patching these quickly. But once your device is labeled "Obsolete" or "Vintage," those patches come less frequently—or not at all. Using an iPhone that hasn't had a security update in a year is like leaving your front door unlocked in a bad neighborhood. It might be fine for a while, but eventually, someone is going to walk in.
What About the iPhone 11?
There is a lot of debate right now about the iPhone 11. It came out in 2019, just a year after the XS.
While the iPhone 11 will likely survive the 2025 cut and get the next major update, it is definitely entering its twilight years. If you're thinking about buying a used iPhone 11 right now because it's cheap, honestly, don't do it. You're buying a device that will likely join the "stop working" list by late 2026.
The Practical "What Now?" Guide
If you realized your phone is on the list, don't panic. You don't need to run to the Apple Store this second. But you should start planning.
First, check your battery health. If your iPhone XS is at 75% battery health and it's also losing software support, it's definitely time to move on. The trade-in value for these phones is plummeting. Right now, you might still get a hundred bucks or so in credit. By the time the software officially drops in late 2025, that trade-in value will basically be zero.
Second, back up your data. As phones get older and stop receiving updates, they can become less stable. Use iCloud or a physical hard drive to make sure your photos are safe.
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Third, look at the iPhone 15 or 16. You don't always need the "Pro" version, but getting a phone with a USB-C port (starting with the 15) ensures you’re compatible with modern cables and accessories for the next decade.
Summary of the 2025 Cutoff
To make it easy to see where you stand, here is how the landscape looks for 2025:
Totally "Obsolete" (No updates, limited security)
- iPhone 6, 6s, 7, and original SE.
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus.
- iPhone X.
The 2025 "End of Life" Group (No more major iOS updates)
- iPhone XR.
- iPhone XS.
- iPhone XS Max.
The "Safe For Now" Group (Will likely get 2025 updates)
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max.
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Gen).
- iPhone 12 and newer.
The tech world moves fast. A phone that felt futuristic five years ago is now a relic. It sucks, but that’s the price of progress. If you're on a budget, look for an iPhone 13 or 14 as a replacement. They have enough power to last you well into the late 2020s without breaking the bank.
Immediate Next Steps for You
Check your current software version by going to Settings > General > About. If you are on an iPhone XS or XR, start a dedicated "New Phone" savings fund now. Aim to have your replacement ready by September 2025 to avoid the rush and the inevitable drop in your current phone's resale value. Also, perform a full iCloud backup this week; older hardware is more prone to storage failure when the OS reaches its limit.