All Discontinued iPhones: A Complete Guide to Apple's Past Models

The iPhone revolution has come a long way since its inception in 2007. Apple's first smartphone, the iPhone, was a game-changer, featuring a 3.5-inch touchscreen display and a 2-megapixel camera.

The iPhone 3G was released in 2008, introducing 3G connectivity and a lower price point, making it more accessible to a wider audience. This model also featured a 2-megapixel camera and a 3.5-inch touchscreen display.

The iPhone 3GS, released in 2009, boasted a 3-megapixel camera and a 32GB storage capacity, a significant upgrade from its predecessors. This model also introduced video recording capabilities and a compass feature.

The iPhone 4, released in 2010, marked a significant design shift with its stainless steel frame and glass front and back. This model also featured a 5-megapixel camera and a front-facing camera for video calls.

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If you're wondering which iPhone models have been discontinued, it's worth noting that Apple hasn't officially confirmed which models will be discontinued. However, you can check your phone's model number by going to the Settings app, selecting General, and then selecting About.

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The iPhone 4 was discontinued in 2013, and it's infamous for its "Antennagate" issue. The iPhone 5c was also discontinued in 2015, and it was Apple's first attempt at a budget-friendly smartphone.

The iPhone X was discontinued after just 10 months, which is one of the shortest lifespans for any flagship iPhone. It had a starting price of $1,099 and was revolutionary for its edge-to-edge OLED display with Face ID.

The iPhone 4 was a game-changer in terms of design, introducing Apple's iconic "glass sandwich" design with a stainless steel frame.

It was released in 2010 and discontinued in 2013, a relatively short lifespan for an iPhone model.

The iPhone 4 is most infamous for its "Antennagate", where holding the phone in a certain way—the "death grip"—caused the signal loss, prompting Steve Jobs to controversially advise customers to simply "not hold it that way."

As of 2024, the iPhone 4 is considered obsolete by Apple, which means it won't receive software updates or repairs.

This classification is based on Apple's policy of considering devices obsolete if they haven't been officially sold for over 7 years.

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The iPhone 5 was Apple's first 4-inch display.

This smaller display made it a great option for those who wanted a more portable phone.

The iPhone 3G was a game-changer in the smartphone market. It brought 3G connectivity, GPS capabilities, and the App Store ecosystem to users.

The iPhone 3G featured a plastic back, which improved signal reception. This was a notable design choice that helped enhance the phone's performance.

The iPhone 3G had a dramatic impact on pricing, with an entry point of $199 with carrier contracts. This made iPhones more accessible to everyday consumers.

The iPhone 3G's launch was marred by a complete collapse of its activation system, leaving thousands of consumers with unusable devices for days.

The iPhone 3GS was Apple's first "S" model, with the "S" standing for "Speed." It was a significant upgrade from its predecessor, with a major boost in processing power.

Apple introduced voice control with the iPhone 3GS, making it easier for users to interact with their device. I can imagine how convenient this feature must have been back then!

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The iPhone 3GS doubled its RAM to 256MB, allowing for smoother performance and better multitasking. This was a notable improvement over its predecessor, which had limited RAM.

The iPhone 3GS also featured a 3MP camera, which was a significant upgrade from the previous model's camera. I've heard that the camera quality was still not as good as modern smartphones, but it was a step in the right direction.

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The iPhone 5S was a game-changer in the tech world, introducing Touch ID fingerprint authentication and the first 64-bit mobile processor.

This was a major leap forward in security and performance, making it a must-have for many consumers.

Apple's decision to offer a gold color option turned out to be an unexpected status symbol, with many people eager to show off their shiny new phones.

The fingerprint sensor, while convenient, sparked some wild urban legends about thieves cutting off fingers to get their hands on someone's phone.

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The iPhone 5S was available from 2013 to 2016, a relatively long lifespan for an iPhone model.

Its 64-bit mobile processor made it a powerhouse, capable of handling demanding tasks with ease.

While some people loved the iPhone 5S, others were eager to upgrade to the newer iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models with their larger screens.

Overall, the iPhone 5S was a solid choice for those who wanted a reliable and secure phone, but didn't need the latest and greatest features.

The iPhone X was a game-changer in smartphone design, ditching the home button for a sleek edge-to-edge OLED display with Face ID.

It had a short-lived run, being discontinued after just 10 months, which is unusually quick for a flagship iPhone.

Apple's intention was for it to be pronounced "iPhone Ten", but most people called it "iPhone Ex" instead.

The iPhone X had a staggering starting price of $1,099, making it one of the most expensive iPhones ever released.

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The iPhone XS and XS Max were Apple’s introduction to premium smartphones featuring the A12 Bionic chip and enhanced cameras.

The XS Max had a then-record 6.5-inch display.

This size was a significant upgrade from previous models, making it a great option for those who wanted a larger screen.

Apple classifies iPhones as obsolete if they haven't been officially sold for over 7 years. If you're wondering if your iPhone is already considered obsolete, here's the full list: the original iPhone, iPhone 3G and 3GS, iPhone 4 and 4S, iPhone 5C and 5S, and iPhone 6 Plus, 6s, and 6s Plus.

You can check if your iPhone is still supported by Apple by looking at the official Apple Store and searching if your specific model is still for sale. If it's not, it might be a sign that it's being phased out.

The iPhone 6 Plus, which was released in 2014, is already considered obsolete as of 2024. However, the iPhone 5, which was released in 2012, is still classified as vintage.

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If your iPhone is considered obsolete, you won't be able to request repairs or get replacement parts from official service providers. You'll also miss out on software updates, which can leave your phone vulnerable to security risks.

Here's a list of iPhone models that are considered obsolete as of 2024:

The recent iPhone models have been a game-changer in the tech world.

The iPhone 11, released in 2019, boasted a dual-camera setup and a battery life that lasted up to 10 hours.

It was a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the iPhone XR, which had a single camera lens and a battery life of up to 8 hours.

The iPhone 11 Pro, on the other hand, featured a triple-camera setup and a battery life of up to 12 hours.

This was a notable improvement from the iPhone XS, which had a dual-camera setup and a battery life of up to 10 hours.

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The iPhone 12 series, released in 2020, introduced a new design language and improved cameras.

The iPhone 12 Pro, in particular, had a quad-camera setup and a battery life of up to 12 hours.

It was a significant upgrade from the iPhone 11 Pro, which had a triple-camera setup and a battery life of up to 12 hours.

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Apple could discontinue certain iPhone models in the near future, possibly streamlining their product lineup. This change could have a significant impact on consumers who are looking to upgrade or purchase a new iPhone.

The iPhone 14 series is anticipated, which could lead to older model discontinuations for a more focused selection. This shift in strategy may aim to concentrate on newer, more advanced iPhones to meet evolving consumer demands.

Budget-conscious consumers may find opportunities in the market as older models may become more affordable. This could be a great time to purchase a discontinued iPhone at a lower price point.

Here are some possible iPhone models that could be discontinued:

Apple's discontinuation policy is pretty straightforward. Apple products are discontinued after the launch of a new flagship model, which is often accompanied by a new numbering system.

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are no longer being offered by Apple. This is a common practice where older models are phased out to make way for newer ones.

The iPhone 13, which made its debut back in 2021, has also been dropped. This means that if you're looking for a new iPhone, it's best to check the latest models available.

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