iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/26/iphone-5s-software-update/

Comments

30 points · 13 comments · view on lemmy.world

13 Comments

becausechemistry@piefed.social · 14 pts · 220d (3 replies)

I was told they did planned obsolescence, though.

The Pixel 5a, released eight years after the iPhone 5s, stopped getting security updates a year and a half ago.

setsubyou@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 220d (1 reply)

People say a lot of things about Apple.

The 5s doesn’t get regular updates though. The previous update of iOS 12 was three years ago. So about ten years of support. I think that’s also more or less the duration for newer models.

OTOH, the 5c was released together with the 5s but only runs iOS 10, last update in 2017. So for the extra cheap models the story is a bit different.

becausechemistry@piefed.social · 4 pts · 220d

The 5c was a 5 but in a new plastic shell. It wasn’t the new hotness even when it was new but I really enjoyed that phone. I wish they’d make another plastic one like that.

Clent@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 3 pts · 219d

I have an ancient iPad, a few months newer than an iPhone 5s and it still gets security updates and weekly use.

The hardest part is its limited 32gb of space. A 5s had a 16gb option and I applaud anyone still keeping one of those running.

BCsven@lemmy.ca · -6 pts · 220d (8 replies)

Either an execs kid has an old phone they don't want to give up, or this pushes some update that allows authorities a backdoor. Apple never does effort for free

thanatotus@lemmy.ml · 9 pts · 220d (7 replies)

This is just a certificate update FYI. Not a typical software update.

MadMadBunny@lemmy.ca · 2 pts · 219d

They added support for the AirTag 2.

BCsven@lemmy.ca · -3 pts · 220d (5 replies)

Are we sure? Apple said their privacy features toggles turned off various network data sends but researchers found the buttons do nothing.

To elaborate, Apple has done stuff to forvce people to upgrade phones. Why all of a sudden support such and old phone?

prettybunnys@piefed.social · 8 pts · 220d

They’ve generally always supported their phones significantly longer than anything on the other side.

Security updates such as this for devices able to acces services makes sense.

thanatotus@lemmy.ml · 2 pts · 219d (1 reply)

Hmm, its fair to be skeptical. But most of the userbase of those phones would be grandparents or kids so I'm not sure that Apple is trying to extract direct monetary value from those age groups.

Plus, its pretty cheap to update the certificate considering the ROI in terms of brand trust/value.

BCsven@lemmy.ca · 1 pts · 219d

Apple will tell you you need a new laptop for a disconnected display cable.

Cort@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 220d (1 reply)

If I were to put on my tinfoil cap, I'd suggest it's not introducing a new vulnerability, but more likely that the cert update is intended to keep some people using devices that are already insecure.

BCsven@lemmy.ca · 0 pts · 220d

Sure, but normally they'd just disable features or drain battery to force hardware upgrade, what changed?