June 17, 2025, 12:24 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
The iPhone Xs from 2018 is among the best-selling smartphones worldwide. Until early June, owners could still enjoy comprehensive software and hardware support from Apple—despite its age, the Xs was a viable device. However, Apple has now signaled the end.
Since the announcement of iOS 26, set to release in fall 2025 with the iPhone 17 series, it’s clear: iPhone Xr, Xs, and Xs Max will no longer receive feature updates beyond iOS 18. Just two weeks later, Apple has now added the iPhone Xs to the list of vintage devices. This means owners lose access to comprehensive repair options.
iPhone Xs Is Now Vintage
At the end of 2024, Apple had already declared the Xs Max as vintage. Now, the smaller Xs follows suit, as noted on the Apple Support page. Thus, Apple offers only limited technical support for both models. This means no new spare parts are manufactured, and repairs are only offered based on parts availability.
The iPhone Xs and Xs Max are the last of the “s” models. Previously, Apple alternated annually between new generations marked by a higher number and smaller upgrades. While a new generation typically came with a completely changed exterior (such as iPhone 3G, 4, 5, 6), the “s” models (iPhone 3GS, 4s, 5s, 6s) received only internal improvements.
Thus, the iPhone Xs does not differ externally from its predecessor, the iPhone X. It can only be distinguished by its more powerful and efficient chip, more RAM, and improved camera, indicating that the iPhone Xs is a year younger. The higher performance is the main reason why the iPhone Xs received software support for so much longer. The iPhone X has not received updates since 2023, with iOS 16 being the last supported version.
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How Long Apple Devices Receive Technical Support
Apple differentiates between software and hardware support for its devices. While the company sometimes provides security updates for devices up to ten years old, repairs end much sooner. Regarding technical support, Apple categorizes its products into three groups:
Supported Devices
Apple products are considered supported up to five years after sales have ended. This means Apple offers repairs and spare parts for them.
Vintage Devices
Devices whose sales ended more than five but less than seven years ago fall under the vintage category. This means Apple only offers repairs based on the availability of spare parts.
Discontinued (Obsolete) Devices
Devices that have not been sold for at least seven years are considered discontinued. This means they no longer receive technical support in the form of repairs—neither from Apple nor from certified service providers.