The iPhone is over 5 years old and many people are still willing to use it for a while longer.

Long term software support

While Apple doesn't make specific support commitments for each device, its products typically receive at least five years of major iOS updates and six years of security updates.

The iPhone is over 5 years old and many people are still willing to use it for a while longer. Picture 1

Will Apple still support iOS 19 update for iPhone 11?

Typically, the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, which were released in 2018, have received six major iOS updates. Currently, the iPhone 11 is still eligible to use iOS 18, the latest version of Apple's operating system. With an impressive track record of software support, it is likely that the iPhone 11 will receive another major update this year, bringing the total number of updates to six. This means that users can continue to use the iPhone 11 without worry for at least another year.

If you're tech-savvy, you'll understand the importance of software updates. Not only do they keep your device secure, they also allow you to use the latest apps, although you may miss out on some of the new features on modern iPhones, like Apple Intelligence.

Good quality

Apple is known for making some of the best quality products in the smartphone industry, and the iPhone 11 is no exception. It features the same glass front and back as the latest iPhone 16 series, along with an aluminum frame that was only available on high-end products at the time of its launch.

The iPhone is over 5 years old and many people are still willing to use it for a while longer. Picture 2

The design quality of the product is quite good.

The iPhone 11 is also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, a feature that is still found on many high-end phones today. It still works very well and is my primary device. To protect the iPhone 11 from impacts and scratches, users can use a case and tempered glass screen protector.

Performance is still commendable

Despite being released in 2019, the A13 Bionic is still one of the most powerful chips on the market. Even after hundreds of hours of use, the chip still runs smoothly, capable of handling demanding apps and games. Multitasking is also no problem, and the author himself has never encountered performance issues in everyday tasks such as surfing social networks, playing puzzle games, taking photos, or browsing the web.

However, not everything is perfect. When taking many photos in a row, the device can get hot, and the same happens when playing heavy games like Genshin Impact. However, for normal use, the iPhone 11 still meets the needs.

The iPhone is over 5 years old and many people are still willing to use it for a while longer. Picture 3

Heavy games still fight well on the iPhone 11.

Great camera

With a dual-camera setup that includes 12MP wide-angle and ultra-wide lenses, the image quality of the iPhone 11 remains impressive to this day. The device produces sharp, vibrant photos and is capable of recording video up to 4K.

The presence of wide-angle and ultra-wide lenses gives users a wide range of options when taking photos, from single objects to vast landscapes. The ultra-wide lens has a 120-degree field of view, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro series, although the latter lens on the newer series has a stronger aperture.

Apple is slow to change

Many have suggested that it's time for Apple to consider discontinuing annual iPhone releases, as the differences between models have become increasingly blurred. Newer versions typically only improve a few features, such as battery life, processor, and camera, with technologies like Dolby Vision, ProRAW, and Cinematic mode.

However, these features are not really necessary for many people's daily use. People can absolutely feel that they are not lacking at all without Dynamic Island or advanced photography features.

The iPhone is over 5 years old and many people are still willing to use it for a while longer. Picture 4

Apple is still very touchy in changing the iPhone design.

Environmental protection

Keeping old devices around helps reduce the e-waste problem in two ways. First, it reduces the time it takes to recycle devices or, in some cases, even send them to landfill. Second, extending the upgrade cycle also means less demand for new devices, which in turn reduces the pressure on companies to produce them.

While many companies like Apple are making an effort to use more recycled materials in their manufacturing, the reality is that these materials still pollute the environment. The most sustainable phone is the one we own.

Samuel Daniel

Update 10 February 2025