# How long does a new iPhone actually last? Find out when it's time to upgrade your iPhone. - **Source:** [Engadget](https://www.engadget.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-20 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/14c3aa57-9250-49c9-bb52-a267d6763254 ## iPhone durability Apple leads in long-term software support. iOS 26 supports devices as old as the iPhone 11 from 2019. This means security patches and new features. A new iPhone 16 or 17 model is expected to receive updates until at least 2031. ## Battery life and performance iPhone 15 series batteries retain 80% of their original capacity after 1,000 charge cycles. You get a replacement alert when battery health drops below 80%. However, aging hardware may still slow down your device. ## Hardware resilience Modern iPhones are highly resistant to drops and scratches. The iPhone 17 Pro series features an aluminum unibody. Users report using the same iPhone for over five years without major issues. ## Software impact The latest iOS versions can strain older hardware. iOS 26 caused performance drops even on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple aims to address these issues with iOS 27. ## When to upgrade Apple reserves new features for newer models. But a functioning iPhone doesn’t need replacement just for that. Battery swaps and updates can extend your device’s lifespan significantly. ## Conclusion An iPhone can last around five years without major issues. Battery replacements and software support help prolong its life. However, aging hardware and new features may eventually justify an upgrade. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.engadget.com/2216276/how-long-new-iphone-last-lifespan/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._