PUBLISHED June 16, 2021, 9:47 AM ET
SinceiPhonefirst debuted in 2007,Apple has released11 different iterations of the device. Given the frequency with which new versions are released, there are plenty of people who are still using older, less up-to-date phone models and find that all their needs are met. However, with rumors swirling that these phones might be retired soon, users with outdated models are starting to panic.
The article continues below the advertisem*nt
Does Apple use a kill command on the iPhone 7?
As of posts in 2020, users on Twitter have been writing about older models of itiPhoneshuts down seemingly randomly.
"I had an iPhone 7 that kept closing apps and draining the battery faster. I just restarted it and then plugged it in," one user wrote. "That didn't solve the problem. It was Apple's way of saying 'buy a newer phone'. I now have a 12 mini. Lol."
The article continues below the advertisem*nt
Posts like this have only become more common in recent days, as rumors swirl online that Apple is more likely to issue a final kill command on the iPhone 7s and every model. The theory is that this kill command will force Apple users to buy new phones, and it became even more popular in the wake of Apple's WWDC21, which introduced the latest operating system update, as well as new features like spatial audio and an Apple Maps -upgrade.
While these theories have become incredibly common, there is no truth behind the rumors. Apple isn't killing off its older models, but the company has urgently released an update for users with older models. The update, iOS 12.5.4, fixes a security issue with older versions of the iPhone that could have allowed cybercriminals to take over the device remotely.
The article continues below the advertisem*nt
Updating iOS won't turn off your phone.
While some users may fear that new updates from Apple will disable your phone and force you to buy a new one, reports fromForbes suggests that this is not actually the case.
"There are no new features, it's not how it currently works, but Apple is keen to protect its customers - even though many of the devices this update is compatible with are more than seven years old," a report said.
Apple sends a kill order to users of 7 and below just to buy a modern phone that is more expensive, like anyone with an iPhone 7 (including myself) and below will have a hard life
— YΞS Λ/O (@Bugattichiron52)June 16, 2021
The article continues below the advertisem*nt
Because the update is so important to protecting your phone, even users who may not want to install the update should take the necessary steps to perform the update. To update your software, go to 'Settings' and then tap 'General'. From there, select 'Software Update' and then 'Download and Install'.
Installing the update should not take too long, although the exact amount of time depends on the model you are using.
Apple may not be throwing away old iPhones, but that doesn't mean the older models work as well as newer versions. Each software update is designed with the latest iPhone in mind, and while older phones may be able to run them, the experience may not be as great as it is for those with newer phones.
