Apple renders iPhone 6 Plus ‘obsolete:’ No more support for decade-old device

The iPhone 6 lineup marked a big step up for Apple’s smartphone ambitions, introducing larger screen sizes and mobile payment capabilities through Apple Pay. But in the fast-paced world of tech, these former flagships have long been surpassed by newer, more powerful iPhones.

Most consumers upgrade their iPhones every 3-4 years on average, though some eke out 5-6 years with diligent battery replacements. For iPhone 6 Plus owners still clinging to their aging devices, this news is essentially Apple’s not-so-subtle suggestion that it’s time to move on.

In other news, the 4th gen iPad mini has also crossed the 5-year “vintage” threshold where Apple will still service the device for a limited time based on part availability. And in a quirk, the (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 8 and 8 Plus colors have been deemed “vintage” while other shades remain current for now.