How long do refurbished iPhones receive software updates?

Question

Accepted Answer

Refurbished iPhones receive exactly the same iOS updates as new iPhones of the same model. Apple does not distinguish between new and refurbished devices when delivering software updates. What determines update longevity is the model, not how it was purchased.

How long does Apple support iPhones?

Apple typically provides iOS updates for 6 to 7 years after a model's original release. For example, the iPhone 8 (released in 2017) received its last major update with iOS 16 in 2022, giving it about 5 years of support. More recent models like the iPhone XS and later have seen even longer support windows. The current version is iOS 26, announced at WWDC in June 2025.

Which refurbished iPhones still receive updates?

When choosing a refurbished iPhone, check whether the model is still receiving the latest version of iOS. Models that support the current iOS version will continue to receive security patches and new features. You can find more detail in our guide on how long Apple supports iPhones.

Why does this matter for refurbished buyers?

Since refurbished iPhones are typically 1 to 4 years old at the time of purchase, you may have fewer years of updates remaining compared to buying new. To maximize your update window, consider buying a more recent model. On RefurbMe, you can sort results by newest to find the latest models at refurbished prices.