How long is the iPhones lifespan, why they cancel older iPhones

I am still using my iPhone 8. They may stop iOS updates, but they cannot make you discard a functional iPhone.

All Apple devices are continuously evolving, with regular hardware upgrades to support new and current features that users demand, such as improved cameras, faster processors, and advanced sensors like LiDAR or ultra-wideband chips. As technology advances, older iPhones that lack the hardware necessary to support newer features are gradually phased out of iOS updates.

Apple typically provides software support for iPhones for several years, but eventually, older models become incompatible with the latest iOS due to hardware limitations, not as a form of forced obsolescence, but rather a practical decision based on performance and capability.

However, Apple does not prevent you from using an older iPhone that remains fully functional. You can still use your device for calls, texts, browsing, and many apps, though some newer apps or features may not be available. In short, while updates may stop, your device doesn’t become unusable unless the hardware itself fails.