If you own an iPhone that is seven or more years old, you could be at risk of a cyberattack.
Security experts have warned that smartphones made from 2008 thought 2014 are no longer supported by software updates that protect users from malware and other exploits.
The iPhones currently not supported go from the original model to the 6 Plus – but nearly ever year new models are added to the list.
For example, Apple said the latest iPhone 15 family will join the obsolete list in 2030.
In another blow, Apple’s customer service site also explains that ‘service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products.’
Jake Moore, the global cybersecurity advisor at software firm ESE, told Forbes: ‘Older iPhones still remain in circulation and once a vulnerability is located, it can rapidly be exploited by attackers and directed at anyone with devices left unpatched.
‘If people are using iPhones that are out of patch warranty – although it’s frustrating – they should consider replacing them with a newer, more secure device.’
Moore went as far as to tell users it would be best if they just throw the devices away.
An iPhone is considered ‘obsolete’ once it reaches the seven-year mark since Apple stopped selling it.
The latest model to join the list was the iPhone 6 Plus in April, which made its debut in 2014.
For those who are still holding on to the iPhone 6 Plus relic from the past, if it breaks, you’ll be hard-pressed to fix it because along with making the device obsolete, Apple has also stopped producing parts for the smartphone.
The iPhone 6 Plus was first released ten years ago for $300, a far cry from the $900 price tag of the company’s newest iPhone 15 Plus.
The news that the iPhone 6 Plus is becoming obsolete comes as Apple prepares to introduce the iOS 18 update in the fall.
The obsolete list also includes models in the iPhone 3, iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 families.
New updates generally push Apple users to move on from older phones that cannot support the software updates which inadvertently leaves their data susceptible to cybercriminals.
Moore said that hackers do not usually target older iPhone models because most people have a newer version.
However, an Apple expert told DailyMail.com last year that n250 million iOS users have not upgraded their iPhones in four years.