iPhone 14, 14 Plus and iPhone SE 3 are still supported by the iOS 27 update By Luís Henrique Costa
5 min read
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Apple stopped selling the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Plus and the third-generation iPhone SE on February 19, 2025, the day it introduced the iPhone 16e. The decision reaches owners around the world, although Apple said units would remain available through channel partners.
The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus launched in September 2022 with the A15 Bionic chip, while the iPhone SE (3rd generation) reached shelves in March 2022 with a compact body that won over buyers who wanted a small phone. Those three models now run iOS 27, the current version of the iPhone operating system released on September 14, 2026, instead of the versions previously expected.
Apple reviews its lineup every year and retires older models to concentrate on new products. More than 1.2 billion iPhones are in use worldwide, and the phase-out of these three models opens a new stage in the company’s shift to newer hardware.
Why Apple took the three models off the market
Apple presents the exit as part of its normal product cycle. The iPhone 15 line, with USB-C and the A16 Bionic chip, already surpassed the iPhone 14, and the iPhone 16 line, launched in 2024 with the A18 chip, went further by being built for Apple Intelligence, the company’s set of artificial intelligence features.
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) uses the same A15 Bionic chip but lacks features found on newer models, such as the Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped area at the top of the screen. The iPhone 16e, announced in February 2025 at US$599, took the SE’s place in the lineup, compared with US$429 for the old SE.
By focusing on recent devices, Apple can offer steady support, including security updates and compatibility with new apps. In 2024, about 70% of iPhone users already had models launched in the previous three years, a sign of how quickly owners adopt new features.
What the update means for people who still use these phones
Owners of these models do not face an immediate change in how their phones work. The iPhone 14, 14 Plus and SE (3rd generation) run iOS 27, and the update also reaches the iPhone 11 family and the SE (2nd generation).
Apple Intelligence requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, so these phones will not receive the AI features. Apple’s support history points to about five years of updates after launch, which means new features that depend on newer hardware will stay out of reach.
Replacement options and the used phone market
Buyers looking for a replacement have several choices in Apple’s current lineup. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus offer a 48-megapixel main camera and better energy efficiency, while the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have a 120 Hz ProMotion screen and the A18 Pro chip for users who prioritize performance and professional photography.
The used and refurbished market is also a strong option. In 2024, the iPhone 14 still accounted for 15% of worldwide used iPhone sales, showing that these models keep circulating after leaving the official store. Apple’s trade-in program, expanded in 2025, accepts older iPhones for up to R$ 1.500, depending on the device’s condition.
Support timeline from the end of sales to iOS 27
Apple’s support follows a schedule that the company has repeated over the years. Owners can use these milestones to plan a move to a newer device.
- February 19, 2025: sales end at Apple’s own stores
- September 14, 2026: iOS 27 is released with support for these models
- 2028: security updates may end and the support cycle closes
Keeping the phone updated while support is active remains important. The schedule gives owners time to decide before the phone stops receiving fixes.
How accessory makers and resellers feel the change
The end of production also reaches the accessory market. Makers of cases and chargers may reduce supply for the iPhone 14 and SE (3rd generation), and resellers need to adjust their stock.
When the iPhone 13 was discontinued in 2023, the used market grew 20%, and a similar effect is expected now, helping buyers who look for resale platforms or cheaper options. Small retailers, however, may feel the shortage of affordable models more strongly in countries with limited purchasing power.
Three steps to keep an older iPhone running well
Owners who want to get the most from a discontinued iPhone need a plan. Three practical steps stand out.
- Update iOS regularly to keep security and performance up to date.
- Monitor battery wear and replace the battery at an authorized service center when needed.
- Consider selling or trading in the device before its market value drops sharply.
These actions help extend the life of the device while Apple’s official support lasts. Owners who act early get more time to plan a move to a newer model.
iPhone 17 Air and the lineup that followed the phase-out
The iPhone 17 family arrived in September 2025, including the iPhone Air, a thinner and lighter model. The line is built around Apple Intelligence and the newest chips.
Between 2022 and 2024, more than 300 million iPhones were sold worldwide. Apple relies on technologies such as augmented reality and better 5G connections to keep its growth going.
Apple’s own chips in iPads and Macs
Apple also updated other products in 2025. The iPad Air with the M3 chip and the MacBook Air with the M4 chip, both launched in March, show the company expanding its own processors across devices.
Apple’s ecosystem links iPhone features such as iPhone Mirroring and Apple Pay across its products, and the same strategy is expected to shape future iPhones.
