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Apple Product Lifecycle

I was wondering if Apple have a published product lifecycle management list (a list that shows all products and when Apple will no longer support the device).


I have an old Apple iPhone 12 Mini that I use for work and I am trying to determine when I may need to replace the device. I have searched the website but cannot find the information, does Apple publish one? If so, can someone please share the URL please.


Kind regards

DR

iPhone 12 mini, iOS 18

Posted on Dec 9, 2024 1:18 AM

Reply
3 replies

Dec 9, 2024 8:42 AM in response to SODIron

No, because it's not possible for Apple to look into the future and know when a specific device will be unable to be supported.


They publish devices that have already stopped being supported and you can extrapolate a general approximate life cycle from that.


But what you are asking for is divination. Apple does not schedule devices for end of support. It happens when they can no longer be supported for a variety of reasons.


In general expect 5 to 7 years from release, for main iOS version updates and a couple more years of security patches after that.

Dec 9, 2024 1:28 AM in response to SODIron

SODIron Said:

"Apple Product Lifecycle" I was wondering if Apple have a published product lifecycle management list (a list that shows all products and when Apple will no longer support the device). I have an old Apple iPhone 12 Mini that I use for work and I am trying to determine when I may need to replace the device. I have searched the website but cannot find the information, does Apple publish one? If so, can someone please share the URL please. Kind regards DR"

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Apple has Updates for 7 Years:

Apple has a reputation for giving updates for their devices for 7 years after the release of the device, and then update are discontinues form it. This is because the Mac's internal hardware is incapable with the macOS operating system. Microsoft is more open.


but...

For a current event, such as in the days of COVID, Apple did go back, providing updates for devices releases more than 7 years back. Essentially, it is the WHO (World Health Organization) making the calls.

Apple Product Lifecycle

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