Updated September 2026: in 2020 my iPhone 6 finally died after five years: it had slowed with age, then my daughter knocked it off the bed, cracking the screen, and eventually it would not turn on. I have rewritten it into a guide to how long an iPhone lasts and the signs it is time to replace it.
By 2020 my iPhone 6 was showing its age, struggling with newer updates. I planned to hold on until the next iPhone launch. Then my daughter threw it from her bed and the screen shattered. I kept using it anyway, even as the battery drained faster and it behaved oddly, until one day it simply would not turn on.
How long do iPhones usually last?
Many people use an iPhone for four to six years. Apple typically supports models with major iOS updates for several years after launch, and with security updates for a while longer. Hardware often lasts beyond that, but the battery and software support usually decide the real lifespan.
What are the signs it is time to replace it?
- No more iOS or security updates, which makes banking and browsing riskier.
- Apps no longer support your iOS version.
- Battery health well below 80 percent, with sudden shutdowns.
- Damage that costs close to the phone's value to repair.
Can a new battery extend its life?
Often, yes. A battery replacement at an authorised service provider is one of the best-value repairs for an iPhone that is still supported. It restores battery life and can make the phone feel faster, since iOS may slow an ageing battery to prevent shutdowns.
Is it safe to keep using a phone with a cracked screen?
Not for long. Glass splinters can cut, moisture and dust get in, and the damage often spreads, as it did with my phone. Use a screen protector over a small crack while you arrange a repair or replacement.
How do you avoid losing data when a phone dies?
Keep iCloud backup switched on, or back up regularly to a computer. When my iPhone 6 stopped working, the backup is what made switching to the next phone straightforward.