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IF YOU'VE got an ageing iPhone, you may want to take a peak at this list of "obsolete" mobiles.

Apple no longer sends software updates to some of its older models, and those without the latest upgrades are "incredibly dangerous", according to experts.

That's because they no longer receive security updates from the California tech titan, leaving them exposed to hackers.

Tech giants regularly cut off older gadgets as it's not practical to continually update all phones – but it leaves long-term users at risk.

"Unsupported software and devices are incredibly dangerous for consumers as there's no protection from cybercriminals," Brian Higgins, security specialist at Comparitech.com, told The Sun.

"Not only will all the vulnerabilities be common knowledge among the criminal community, users can't download antivirus software to protect against them."

Which iPhones are 'obsolete' in 2020?

Among the handsets no longer supported by Apple is the iPhone 6, which hit shelves in 2015 Credit: Alamy

Apple has already confirmed which iPhones it will provide updates to in 2020 – and those it won't.

Among those no longer supported is the iPhone 6, which hit shelves in 2015.

In fact, every iPhone model older than the 6 is now "obsolete" in terms of software updates.

That means the iPhone 5C, 5S, 5, 4S, 4, 3GS, 3G and, of course, the original 2007 iPhone.

All are therefore vulnerable to cyber crooks, as they're stuck on increasingly outdated software.

There's not a lot you can do to save yourself beyond buying a new iPhone – or staying extremely vigilant for cyber attacks.

We have a guide on how to protect yourself from malware and other viruses here.

Which iPhones are supported in 2020?

The iPhone 11 Pro Max, released last year, is one of more than a dozen mobiles for which Apple regularly provides security updates Credit: Alamy

Any model of iPhone newer than the iPhone 6 can download iOS 13 – the latest version of Apple's mobile software.

That's been out since September and is the gateway through which the Cupertino firm sends security updates to iPhones across the globe.

The list of supported devices for 2020 includes the iPhone SE, 6S, 7, 8, X (ten), XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.

Various "Plus" versions of each of these models also still receive Apple updates.

Rumours suggest the iPhones Apple is committing support for in 2020 will also have the option to upgrade to iOS 14, expected in September.

That means you'll be protected from hackers until iOS 15 launches a year later, in September 2021.

You can update to the latest iOS software if your mobile supports it.

To see the model and software version of your iPhone, go to Settings > General > About.

Why it's dangerous to keep using your old iPhone

Using very old smartphones can put you at serious risk of hack attacks Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Using an old iPhone could put you at risk of devastating hack attacks.

That's according to top cyber experts, who in interviews with The Sun last week urged anyone with older models to upgrade to new, safer devices.

Hacks could include spying on you or stealing your private information.

And some phones can be "old" in terms of no longer receiving software updates after just a year or two.

Hackers see these old devices as easy targets, and can assault your phone in many different ways.

"By using older models that no longer support upgrades to the most recent Operating System of Android or iPhone, users leave themselves open to being spied on or having their information stolen," said Ciaran Byrne, a cyber-expert at edgescan.

iOS 13 supported devices revealed – which iPhone models can upgrade?

Here's the full list of iPhone models that can upgrade to iOS 13:

iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone SE
iPod touch (7th generation)

"Risks include malicious likes sent via SMS or WhatsApp, virus-ridden apps available on the AppStore and Play Store, and even attackers connecting to the device through Bluetooth, if in close proximity.

"Newer phones, and newer OS/Android versions, will have mitigation in place for any of these attacks, as the developers will have updated the code to prevent them from happening."

You can be browsing the web and find yourself being hacked – and your old device won't have the necessary protections to stop it.

"Users of such outdated devices are then at risk for attacks for example when just browsing the wrong website," said Martin Jartelius, a cyber-expert at Outpost24.

"The lifespan of a device is no longer dictated by how long a phone will function technically, but for how long a company will provide updates and maintenance."

It's important to check online to see if your device is still receiving software updates.

If it isn't, cyber-experts say the best course of action is to switch to a newer device that still receives security patches.

Secret design for Apple's most powerful iPad with iPhone's triple camera may have been leaked

In other news, Apple last week warned that a new EU law that will ultimately force iPhone owners to switch chargers again would trigger an "e-waste" crisis.

Here's why it's dangerous to keep using your very old iPhone, Samsung or Android mobile.

And, Samsung is expected to reveal the world's first 5G tablet in a matter of weeks.

Are you worried about your iPhone becoming obsolete? Let us know in the comments!

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