How long do iOS devices last?

[Mr-Trainor]

I'm sure on Apple's website somewhere it says they last for 3 years but I can't find it. Am I imagining things or does it actually say that somewhere ?

[xxMATTGxx]

I'm sure on Apple's website somewhere it says they last for 3 years but I can't find it. Am I imagining things or does it actually say that somewhere ?

What do you mean by last? As in them keeping it updated with software updates or how long the device lasts for before it decides to blow up and die? I assume software updates.

[Catchy]

What do you mean by last? As in them keeping it updated with software updates or how long the device lasts for before it decides to blow up and die? I assume software updates.

Lol this is what I thought... I thought he meant how long until it dies? Well it obviously depends on how well you look after your stuff...

[xxMATTGxx]

I think it's around 3 generations, so 3 years. If you look at the iPhone 4 that came with iOS 4 (3 years ago) and they can get iOS 6.1.3 which came out August 2013. I don't believe the iPhone 4 can get iOS 7 so it sounds right.

[Catchy]

I think it's around 3 generations, so 3 years. If you look at the iPhone 4 that came with iOS 4 (3 years ago) and they can get iOS 6.1.3 which came out August 2013. I don't believe the iPhone 4 can get iOS 7 so it sounds right.

Can iPhone 4 users not get iOS 7? I'm sure I had the beta running on mine a few months ago, if I remember correctly. However, it was slow and sluggish but wondering if that was due to the beta... hmm!

[Calum0812]

I am still rocking a 3GS but it has been well over-due an upgrade. Baring in mind that is only just 4 generations out of date. When iOS6 was released onto it, it was slow and sluggish so I'd say it needed an upgrade after 2 generations, or 2 years.

[xxMATTGxx]

Can iPhone 4 users not get iOS 7? I'm sure I had the beta running on mine a few months ago, if I remember correctly. However, it was slow and sluggish but wondering if that was due to the beta... hmm!

Ah maybe they can. But they won't get the update next time round.

Edit: It's the 3GS that won't get iOS 7.

[Catchy]

Ah maybe they can. But they won't get the update next time round.

Edit: It's the 3GS that won't get iOS 7.

Ah right, fair enough. I wouldn't think they'd be a massive demand for iOS 7 on the 3GS anyways.

[xxMATTGxx]

Okay a better example then.

iPhone 3GS came with iOS 3 back in 2009 and the last update it got is iOS 6.1.3 which came out in March 2013. So they get supported for a good few years at least.

---------- Post added 10-09-2013 at 09:21 PM ----------

Ah right, fair enough. I wouldn't think they'd be a massive demand for iOS 7 on the 3GS anyways.

Very true and not all devices will always get the new updates. Due to the hardware and features but also the fact that Apple want you to buy the newer devices.

[Mr-Trainor]

Oh I know about how it depends on how you look after it etc. But I'm sure I remember a while back there was something on the Apple website saying iOS devices have a life cycle of 3 years - maybe that did just mean software updates and support in that way. It doesn't appear to be on their website now though .