How old is your iPhone, actually?
Your iPhone is performing fine. Yet, you feel it's slowing down. Apps are crashing more often. The battery is draining faster. You wonder: is it just age? And more importantly: will you still get updates? These are logical questions, especially if you're considering buying a used iPhone .
But here's the thing: most people have no idea how old their device actually is. They look at the year of purchase, not the production date . Yet that difference can make a difference of months in update support. And those months determine whether you'll be stuck with an insecure device next year or not.
The serial number tells the whole story—if you know where to look. Apple hides the age in a code you have to decipher yourself. Don't panic. We'll show you how to find out exactly what's going on with your iPhone in just thirty seconds.
Useful links
- iPhone accessories - extend the life of your device
- Screen protectors - protect your older iPhone
- Refurbished iPhones - view alternatives
Determine your iPhone age using the serial number
Your iPhone's serial number contains all the information you need. Apple hides the production date in this code. Finding it takes no more than thirty seconds:
- Open 'Settings' on your iPhone
- Tap 'General'
- Select 'Info'
- Scroll to 'Serial Number'
- Hold your finger on the number to copy it
The serial number consists of twelve characters. The fourth and fifth digits indicate when your device rolled off the assembly line. The fourth digit indicates the year, and the fifth the week of production. For example, if there's a "Q" in the fourth position, your iPhone is from 2022. A "P" means 2021, and an "N" means 2020.
The week code runs from 1 to 9, then from C to Y (skipping A, B, E, I, O, S, and Z). So, week 10 is designated as 'C', and week 27 as 'P'.
Why the production date is more important than the purchase date
Many people think the purchase date determines how old their iPhone is. That's not true. An iPhone can sit in a warehouse for months before it's sold. You buy a new iPhone in January 2024, but it might be released in September 2023. That's a four-month difference.
These months make a difference for:
- The remaining update period
- The warranty period
- The residual value upon resale
- Battery condition (lithium-ion batteries age even without use)
Update support per iPhone model
Apple supports iPhones with iOS updates for an average of five to six years. Security updates often come for an additional year. Support starts from the model's launch date, not the date of purchase.
Current support (December 2024)
- iPhone 15 series: updates until around 2029-2030
- iPhone 14 series: updates until around 2028-2029
- iPhone 13 series: updates until approximately 2027-2028
- iPhone 12 series: updates until around 2026-2027
- iPhone 11 series: updates until around 2025-2026
- iPhone XS/XR: Last major update likely in 2024
Models older than the iPhone X no longer receive iOS updates. They still sporadically receive security patches for critical issues.
Performance of older iPhones
A three-year-old iPhone usually still runs fine. Apps launch a little slower, but the difference is not too bad. After four years, you start to notice it: apps take longer to load, multitasking becomes slower, and demanding games stutter.
The battery deteriorates faster than the processor. After two years, the battery health is often around 85%. At 80% or lower, Apple recommends replacement. A new battery costs approximately €75 to €105 at Apple, depending on the model.
Tips for better performance
- Delete apps you don't use
- Disable background refresh for apps that don't need it
- Turn off automatic downloads
- Reset your device to factory settings once a year
- Use low power mode for daily use
When does replacement make sense?
An iPhone can easily last seven years, technically speaking. But without updates, the device becomes vulnerable. It's best not to do banking or other sensitive business on a device without security updates.
Replace your iPhone when:
- The device no longer receives security updates
- Important apps no longer work due to outdated iOS version
- The battery lasts less than four hours under normal use
- The screen is cracked and repair is too expensive
- The storage space is constantly full (on 32GB or 64GB models)
Buying second-hand: what should you pay attention to?
For a refurbished or second-hand iPhone, first check its age using the serial number. Don't buy a device older than four years unless you know exactly what you're doing. Always ask about the battery health. You can find this under Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Performance.
Also check:
- Whether the device has been removed from the Find My iPhone connection
- Whether all buttons work
- Whether the cameras focus
- Whether Touch ID or Face ID works
- Whether the device has original parts (check this in iOS 15.2 or later under Settings > General > About)
Conclusion
Determining your iPhone's age is easy using its serial number. This information helps you make better decisions about updates, repairs, and replacements. A three-year-old iPhone has years of life left. A five-year-old one is approaching the end of its update cycle. Plan your purchases accordingly.
Remember: the production date counts, not when you bought the device. Therefore, always check the serial number, especially when buying second-hand. This way, you avoid surprises and know exactly what you're buying.
The truth is in the serial number
So the serial number tells you exactly how old your iPhone is—not the receipt. Those few digits determine how long you'll receive updates and whether a repair is worthwhile.
Considering a used iPhone ? Always check the serial number first. A three-year-old device has years of life left, while a five-year-old one is nearing the end of its life. This knowledge will help you make a well-informed decision, whether you want to keep your current device or are looking for a replacement.
