Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released. iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013, while the iPhone 6 launched in September 2014.
I was told they did planned obsolescence, though.
The Pixel 5a, released eight years after the iPhone 5s, stopped getting security updates a year and a half ago.
I have an ancient iPad, a few months newer than an iPhone 5s and it still gets security updates and weekly use.
The hardest part is its limited 32gb of space. A 5s had a 16gb option and I applaud anyone still keeping one of those running.
People say a lot of things about Apple.
The 5s doesn’t get regular updates though. The previous update of iOS 12 was three years ago. So about ten years of support. I think that’s also more or less the duration for newer models.
OTOH, the 5c was released together with the 5s but only runs iOS 10, last update in 2017. So for the extra cheap models the story is a bit different.
The 5c was a 5 but in a new plastic shell. It wasn’t the new hotness even when it was new but I really enjoyed that phone. I wish they’d make another plastic one like that.