What is the oldest phone you can still use in 2026?

Sometimes you just don’t want the latest and greatest smartphone. Whether you’re on a budget, want certain niche features, or just prefer older designs, there are plenty of reasons to go vintage when it comes to picking up a new phone.

However, buying an older phone isn’t without its challenges. For one thing, it can be hard to find the exact model you’re after, especially if you’re looking to buy a factory-new handset. Older iPhones – especially Pro and Pro Max models – can be very hard to come by even as soon as two years after launch.

And secondly, there are some operational and security factors to consider when buying an older phone. Phones need to be able to run a reasonably recent version of their operating system to access most apps, and those stuck on obsolete versions are much more vulnerable to ...