Announced at WWDC 2026, iOS 27 will be available for devices as old as the iPhone 11 series, which debuted in 2019. The move extends software support to eight years - an unprecedented milestone for the iPhone.

While the iPhone 11 is unlikely to receive any of the new Apple Intelligence features, the additional year of software support arrives at a pivotal moment for the technology industry.

One obvious factor is the rising cost of consumer electronics, driven by issues such as ongoing RAM shortages and concerns over tariffs in recent years.

The market has already seen some smartphone makers raise prices by as much as USD 200 between their 2025 and 2026 models. In some cases, prices have climbed even higher than at launch.

Less discussed, however, is the thriving second-hand market, where older iPhones remain widely available. At the time of writing, a 256GB iPhone 11 could be purchased on Amazon for just USD 209.

A recent survey conducted by technology publication CNET among more than 2,600 adults found that over 48% had considered buying a refurbished device because new electronics have become too expensive.

Together, these trends point to a clear shift in consumer behavior: people are keeping their phones longer than ever and are increasingly willing to use devices that are not the newest or most powerful as long as they meet everyday needs.

Why Apple is taking care of older iPhone users

The iPhone consistently ranks among the world’s best-selling smartphones, making Apple one of the largest players in the refurbished-device market as well.

According to an October 2025 report by Counterpoint Research, refurbished sales growth in Africa, India and Southeast Asia was largely driven by the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14.

In more mature markets with characteristics similar to the United States, refurbished-device growth remained relatively flat between 2024 and 2025.

The report attributed this to longer replacement cycles and rising costs, which have encouraged consumers to delay upgrades.

With fewer people replacing their devices, Apple may be paying closer attention to ensuring that users who continue using older models do not feel abandoned.

Earlier this year, Apple even released a minor update for devices running iOS 12 and later to ensure that iMessage and FaceTime continued functioning on models as old as the iPhone 5S from 2013.

Even after Apple stops delivering major iOS upgrades, the company traditionally continues providing security updates for several more years.

Preventing users from switching to Android

As smartphone prices continue to rise, Apple’s ongoing support for older iPhones may also serve as a defensive strategy.

Samsung, Motorola and Google offer numerous Android smartphones priced below USD 500, while Apple’s most affordable new device currently starts at USD 600 with the iPhone 17e, introduced earlier this year.

By giving a 2019-era iPhone 11 a renewed experience through iOS 27, Apple provides users with another reason to remain within its ecosystem.

Those users may feel less compelled to consider Android alternatives, where they could potentially buy a phone with a larger battery or newer camera hardware for less money than a brand-new iPhone.

The strategy becomes even more important as Apple faces increasing pressure to adopt open technologies that reduce barriers between iPhones and Android devices.

Examples include the RCS messaging standard, which enables many iMessage-like features across platforms, as well as eSIM improvements that make transferring a phone number from an iPhone to an Android device easier than before.

By offering eight years of software support - currently among the best commitments in the smartphone industry - Apple gives consumers another reason to choose or remain with the iPhone ecosystem, at least until competitors such as Samsung, Google and Motorola match that level of long-term support.

Du Lam