Older iPhone only updates up to 15.8

My mother has an older iPhone that only updates up to 15.8. She refuses to get a new iPhone even though she is elegible for one. Is she at risk with a phone that can’t get past the 15.8 iOS software update?


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Posted on Jan 11, 2024 12:28 PM

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Posted on Jan 11, 2024 12:39 PM

I certainly wouldn't say that she is at risk. There are new features in newer updates, but unless she needs those features, there is no great benefit to updating. Many folks are successfully using older phones with older software. If she is not a well-known, famous person who is liable to be hacked, I think she is safe using her current phone and OS.

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Jan 11, 2024 12:39 PM in response to Saegzz

I certainly wouldn't say that she is at risk. There are new features in newer updates, but unless she needs those features, there is no great benefit to updating. Many folks are successfully using older phones with older software. If she is not a well-known, famous person who is liable to be hacked, I think she is safe using her current phone and OS.

Jan 11, 2024 07:51 PM in response to Saegzz

Ah, the joys of system management.


Either she is responsible for maintaining her device and her data, or you are.


Don’t make the same mistake I have. If the owner of the iPhone decides on self-maintenance, don’t imply and don’t become the fallback support for whatever problems can or will arise with a self-administered device. Too often that path ends in grief and consternation and no backups and precious lost photos, or whatever other tale of woe. Variously also involving recriminations.


iOS 15 is going to start to fall off of app support later this year too, if past practices are any guidance.



PS: Longer term, iOS 17 added a lesser-known feature called Assistive Access, which can help those that can find an iPhone more complex to use than they might or would prefer.


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Older iPhone only updates up to 15.8

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