Android, iOS & Mobile Phones

[hockeycanuckjc Community Veteran]

I don't think of much for rumor mills. However I saw on a couple of sites that iPhone 6s is going to be put to bed with the next iOS update.

Specifically what are the usual support timeframes that a specific phone has after another phone is announced? I just got a new 6s on Tracfone in April and received the iOS 14 update and also got the Apple Watch Series 3. I'd hate to think I wasted my money but I also know it won't seize working just because it stops working. But also afraid at the same time that important apps like banking won't work because they take away support for the older iOS operating system.

[bobberuchi]

Very common.  Apple makes their own product obsolete on purpose. 

They make their phones and tablets such that they will only accept a small handful of updates.  Also they keep urgading the iOS requirements on their devices so you cannot get apps from the Apple App store.

I have an iPad that my wife had as a work iPad. I went to load Netflix on it.  It said I cannot becuase the OS it to low.  And I could not upgrade the iOS past what it was. 

I am actually surprised the 6s is is still able to be updated.

[jdogg836]

The iPhone 6S was released in September of 2015, originally with iOS9 on it.  That means it received iOS10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.  5 Total major OS updates.  Regarding support, this is about the average for Apple over the years. 

On the other side of the mobile phone battle, you'll find that Google branded Android phones tend to get around the same amount of update support.  I think this is because mobile technology continues to grow at such a rapid pace and at some point you've got to kill off the old tech to keep moving the chains forward.  When it comes to other major brands (Such as Samsung), the standard has been 2 Android updates (2 years) and potentially a few security patches beyond that.  Samsung actually increased that to 3 Android updates with a select handful of phones back in August, which was the first time they've done that.  Who knows if this will continue or if it was a one-time thing after being called out for it.   

This is the only concern I have with carriers, especially with prepaid carriers, insisting on a "budget" iPhone.  This one stayed along for way too long.

[hockeycanuckjc Community Veteran]

Yeah I see its still being sold for almost 349.99 on ATT Prepaid with a special activate it today price at BBY.

Good thing I only paid 99.99 for it.