ronnfromlancaster

Q: how do I determine the series of an old iPhone?

I inherited an old iPhone and am trying to set it up as an iPod like device for my grandkids. How do i determine the series of the iPhone and can I download iOS 7.0 or such so that apps can be downloaded?

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Aug 30, 2016 2:35 PM

Close

Q: how do I determine the series of an old iPhone?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Michael Black,Solvedanswer

    Michael Black Michael Black Aug 30, 2016 2:54 PM in response to ronnfromlancaster
    Level 7 (24,482 points)
    Aug 30, 2016 2:54 PM in response to ronnfromlancaster

    First, you will need a SIM in it to activate it with Apple (you can take it out afterwards - it only needs to be in there to complete the activation steps).

     

    If you plug it in to iTunes, and try to update iOS, Apple's update system will only offer the latest version compatible with the hardware.  If iTunes says no updates available, then you are running the latest available for that hardware.  If there is a newer version available then iTunes will determine the latest release for that hardware, and will only offer that version for updating.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Aug 30, 2016 2:55 PM in response to ronnfromlancaster
    Level 9 (58,384 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 30, 2016 2:55 PM in response to ronnfromlancaster

    In addition to what Michael has said, this support document can help too. Identify your iPhone model - Apple Support

  • by ronnfromlancaster,

    ronnfromlancaster ronnfromlancaster Aug 30, 2016 4:28 PM in response to Michael Black
    Level 1 (8 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 30, 2016 4:28 PM in response to Michael Black

    Thank you. Unfortunately, there is no SIM card in the phone. Chris sent me to an Apple Support site and this is a A1203 original iPhone. Will try your iTunes suggestion shortly.

  • by Michael Black,Helpful

    Michael Black Michael Black Aug 30, 2016 6:33 PM in response to ronnfromlancaster
    Level 7 (24,482 points)
    Aug 30, 2016 6:33 PM in response to ronnfromlancaster

    An original, or first generation iPhone technically cannot run any version if iOS. It can run at most iPhone OS 3.1.3 and will be incompatible with just about any software currently available in the App Store.  With only 128MB of RAM, it's simply incapable of running current software.  Sorry, but Apple officially considers an original iPhone as an obsolete model and it had not been supported in years.  It was discontinued in mid-2008.