The iPhone 5s was released by Apple in September 2013 and was one of the most popular iPhones at the time. Now nearly 10 years old, many iPhone 5s owners are wondering if the device is still safe and practical to use in 2023. With Apple no longer providing software updates and security patches for the iPhone 5s, concerns around its security and functionality are valid.
In this article, we’ll examine if the aging iPhone 5s can still be safely used in 2023. We’ll look at factors like security, app support, performance, and battery life. With iPhones lasting longer these days, many owners want to keep using their 5s for as long as possible. We’ll provide an objective analysis on the risks and rewards of using an iPhone 5s in 2023 to help owners decide if it’s time to upgrade.
Release Date and Specs
The iPhone 5s was initially released on September 20, 20131. At launch, it came with iOS 7 and featured an A7 chip with 64-bit architecture, making it the first 64-bit smartphone2. The iPhone 5s was available with 16, 32 or 64GB of storage. Other key specs included:
- 4-inch Retina display with 1136 x 640 resolution
- 8MP rear camera with dual-LED flash
- 1.2MP front camera
- Fingerprint sensor (Touch ID)
- Dimensions: 4.87 x 2.31 x 0.3 inches
- Weight: 3.95 ounces
The iPhone 5s was seen as an incremental update over the iPhone 5, with the 64-bit processor, Touch ID sensor and improved camera being the most notable new features3.
Security Updates
The iPhone 5s was released in September 2013 and originally shipped with iOS 7. Apple supported the iPhone 5s with regular software updates for over 5 years, which is an exceptionally long time for smartphones. The iPhone 5s received updates up through iOS 12, which was released in September 2018.
After iOS 12, Apple continued providing important security updates for the iPhone 5s, even though it was not eligible for full iOS version updates anymore. As per The Verge, Apple issued a security update for the iPhone 5s as recently as January 2023, nearly 10 years after its initial release. This shows Apple’s commitment to supporting devices with critical security patches for an extended period.
However, official support for the iPhone 5s has now ended as of early 2024. As of January 2024, the iPhone 5s will no longer receive software updates or patches from Apple, even for security vulnerabilities, as noted on Apple’s security updates page. Users still on iPhone 5s should upgrade to a newer iPhone model to continue receiving the latest security protections from Apple.
Safety Concerns
The iPhone 5s was originally released in September 2013 and shipped with iOS 7. It is now considered an obsolete device by Apple, meaning it does not receive regular security updates anymore (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624). As a result, there are some significant vulnerabilities that 5s owners should be aware of.
In August 2022, Apple released iOS 12.5.6 specifically for the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 devices to patch a critical vulnerability that could allow malicious websites to execute arbitrary code (https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/iphone-6-5s-ios-12-update-security-fix-2022/). This demonstrates that major security issues still exist even though the 5s no longer receives regular updates.
Additionally, the iPhone 5s is susceptible to weaknesses like Spectre and Meltdown which take advantage of speculative execution to leak sensitive data like passwords (https://support.apple.com/en-us/103704). Without ongoing patches, new vulnerabilities related to the processor and memory handling may continue to emerge.
Overall, the lack of modern security updates means the iPhone 5s is vulnerable to serious exploits that can put users’ data and privacy at risk. Owners should be cautious about relying on it as a daily device for sensitive activities like banking and accessing confidential information.
Mitigate Risks
There are a few ways to reduce security risks on older iPhones that no longer receive software updates from Apple:
Enable automatic updates for apps – Go to Settings > General > Software Update and turn on “Automatic Updates” to ensure apps stay up-to-date with the latest security patches.
Be cautious about app permissions – Only grant location, camera, microphone etc access to trusted apps. You can control permissions in Settings > Privacy & Security.
Use strong passcodes and Touch/Face ID – Set a passcode with 6 digits or longer and enable Touch ID or Face ID if available. This protects against unauthorized access if the device is lost or stolen. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
Avoid public WiFi networks – Public networks are insecure and expose your web traffic/data. Use cellular data or trusted WiFi networks only when possible.
Install a VPN (virtual private network) – A VPN encrypts your web traffic to prevent snooping on public networks. VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN provide added security.
Be wary of phishing scams – Avoid clicking suspicious links in emails, texts and websites which could install malware. Be vigilant against social engineering.
Turn on Find My iPhone – This lets you remotely lock or wipe your device if lost or stolen. Enable it in Settings > Your Name > Find My.
Overall, while risks increase without security updates, taking proactive measures like using strong passcodes and avoiding public WiFi can help mitigate risks on older devices.
Alternatives
The iPhone SE (2022) is Apple’s latest budget-friendly smartphone, but there are other options for those looking to upgrade from an aging iPhone 5s. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Newer iPhones like the iPhone SE, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 offer more updated specs and features. They have newer processors, improved cameras, and longer software support. However, they are more expensive, with the iPhone SE starting at $429, the iPhone 11 at $499, and the iPhone 12 at $599.
Other budget iPhones include the iPhone XR from 2018 which has a large 6.1″ display and A12 processor. It starts at $499 new. There is also the iPhone 11 from 2019, with an A13 chip and dual cameras, from $599.
Outside of Apple, options like the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, Google Pixel 6a, and Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G offer solid specs and features at lower price points ranging from $299 to $449 unlocked. These Android phones have capable cameras, long battery life, and processors that can handle most tasks.
In summary, while the iPhone 5s was a major leap forward in its day, there are now many smartphones with more modern designs, improved performance, and better cameras at similar price points to the iPhone SE 2022.
Pros of Continued Use
Despite its age, the iPhone 5s still has some merits that make it a viable option for some users (Apple iPhone 5s Reviews, Pros and Cons). The iPhone 5s retains the same classic and durable aluminum design that Apple devices are known for. It also has a high quality 8MP rear camera, especially for a smartphone of its time, that takes decent photos and video (iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s Pros and Cons: EveryiPhone.com).
The iPhone 5s is also a good option for people looking for an inexpensive iPhone that can handle basic functions like calling, texting, email, web browsing, and social media. It has a relatively fast A7 processor that provides a smooth experience for everyday tasks. The small 4 inch screen makes the iPhone 5s easy to use with one hand. For those seeking an affordable secondary device or who don’t require advanced features, the iPhone 5s can still serve a purpose.
Cons of Continued Use
The iPhone 5s was released in September 2013, making it over 8 years old as of 2022. While it was a powerful device for its time, the aging hardware has some significant drawbacks compared to modern smartphones:
The iPhone 5s has a small 4-inch screen with large bezels by today’s standards. It lacks the edge-to-edge displays and larger screens of newer iPhones, which some users may find limiting for tasks like watching videos or multitasking (Sources).
The camera technology is also dated. At just 8MP, the rear camera pales in comparison to 12MP+ cameras on modern iPhones with computational photography. Low light photos and video will suffer. The 1.2MP front camera delivers poor quality selfies (Sources).
Performance is sluggish compared to newer iPhones. The A7 chip and 1GB RAM struggle with intensive apps and multitasking. High-end games will not run smoothly. Everyday usability may feel laggy at times.
The iPhone 5s also lacks key features like wireless charging, water resistance, stereo speakers, and Face ID introduced in later models. The fingerprint sensor feels dated compared to Face ID.
Finally, the iPhone 5s will not receive any more iOS updates. It’s stuck on iOS 12, missing out on new features and security updates. Using such an outdated operating system poses potential risks.
The Verdict
While the iPhone 5s is now over 8 years old, it can still be reasonably safe to use in 2022 with some precautions. Apple’s recent iOS 12.5.6 security update in August 2022 [1] patched a vulnerability that could allow malicious code execution. This shows Apple still cares about 5s security. However, given the 5s’s age, it will become riskier over time as Apple provides fewer updates. Owners should be vigilant about apps, WiFi networks, suspicious links, and other potential threats. The 5s lacks modern security features like face/fingerprint unlock that help protect newer iPhones. While not excessively dangerous currently, users should weigh the 5s’s security limitations and progressively decreasing support. Those handling sensitive data or who want the latest protections may want to consider upgrading.
Next Steps for Owners
If you still have an iPhone 5s, you have a few options to consider for what to do next:
The best option for continued security and features is to upgrade to a newer iPhone model. Apple generally supports devices with software updates for 5-6 years after release. The iPhone 5s launched in 2013, so it is no longer receiving the latest iOS updates and security patches. Upgrading to a newer iPhone will provide the latest features and strongest security protections.
If upgrading is not an option, you can explore ways to mitigate risks and extend the usable life of your iPhone 5s:
– Only install apps from the App Store to avoid malware risks.
– Use strong passcodes and limit access to sensitive info on the device.
– Consider resetting to factory settings if performance declines.
– Replace the battery if needed to maintain battery life.
– Use the device only on wifi for basic apps and functions.
– Trade in or recycle the device responsibly when it eventually stops working.
While the iPhone 5s may still function adequately for basic use cases, upgrading to a supported iPhone model is recommended for long-term safety and usability.