Apple added the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 to its obsolete list in 2026, ending official repair support for both models. Owners can no longer obtain parts or service through Apple or its authorized network.

Why it matters: Millions of devices worldwide now sit outside Apple's support system. Users relying on these phones for smart home hubs or legacy apps must decide whether to pay for third-party repairs or replace the device entirely.

Driving the news: Apple's support page confirms the devices are now classified as obsolete worldwide. The company follows a seven-year rule: products become "vintage" five years after last sale, then "obsolete" at seven years, when component shipments stop.

How it works: Vintage status means authorized providers can repair a device only if parts remain in stock. Obsolete status means Apple ceases all parts shipments, ending official service entirely. The iPhone 5 launched in 2012, entered vintage status in 2018, and crossed into obsolete status in 2026. The iPhone 4 stopped production in 2013 and follows the same timeline.

Between the lines: The iPhone 5 remained repair-eligible for 14 years despite Apple's standard seven-year policy. That extended window gave owners more time than typical, though the company never explained the delay.

What owners can do: Third-party repair shops still stock batteries, screens, and ports, though sourcing genuine parts becomes harder each year. Repair costs and availability vary widely by region, according to AppleInsider.

The bottom line: Apple's trade-in and recycling programs can offset the cost of a newer device while keeping e-waste out of landfills. Users who wait risk being stranded without repair options when their phone fails.