iPhone 4S
Our verdict
Repurpose it.
Its update days are over. Its useful days aren’t.
I
Give it a job
A dedicated dash cam, baby monitor, webcam, or music remote.
II
Keep it off the open web
Without security updates, treat it as a single-purpose appliance rather than a daily browser.
III
Or let it go
Apple no longer services this model, but Apple Stores still take it for free recycling. Working units are worth more sold than scrapped.
ObsoleteTops out at iOS 9.3.6.
Where to sell it
The record
Introduced
2011
Model identifier
iPhone4,1
Chip
Apple A5
Architecture
32-bit ARM
Latest official release
iOS 9.3.6
With OpenCore Patcher
Not applicable
Security updates
Ended — iOS 9 received its final security update in 2019 (last release 9.3.6).
Apple hardware status
Obsolete — no longer serviced
Data confidence
high
Common questions
What is the newest iOS for the iPhone 4S?
The iPhone 4S officially tops out at iOS 9.3.6.
Is the iPhone 4S still getting security updates?
No. Ended — iOS 9 received its final security update in 2019 (last release 9.3.6).
Is the iPhone 4S vintage or obsolete?
Apple classifies it as obsolete: no more parts, no more service. Apple Stores will still recycle it for free.
Same shelf