Running Unsupported iOS on Deprecated Devices

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Desire to Reuse Old iDevices / Reduce E‑Waste

  • Many argue it’s wasteful that capable iPads/iPhones become unusable solely due to dropped software support and locked bootloaders.
  • People compare this to OpenCore Legacy Patcher on Macs and wish for a similar path, or at least Linux or a “browser-only” OS on old iPads.
  • Several personal anecdotes: years-old iPads still used daily for reading, kids’ media, or simple browsing; old iPhones/SEs repurposed as offline tools.

How Apple Locks Devices & Technical Hurdles

  • Apple enforces signed firmware and controls keys; even with exploits (e.g., checkra1n) you still need reverse‑engineered drivers.
  • Asahi Linux on ARM Macs is cited as proof it’s possible but very labor‑intensive, and demand for very old iOS devices may be too small.
  • Some mention partial efforts (e.g., Android on iPhone 7), but these are incomplete and niche.

App Store, Browsers, and Planned Obsolescence

  • A major pain point is apps dropping support for old iOS versions, effectively killing otherwise functional devices.
  • Debate over blame:
    • One side blames developers for setting higher minimum OS versions than necessary.
    • Others point to Apple’s policies: mandatory newer SDKs, limits on target ranges, store rules, and inability to easily install older app versions.
  • Because all iOS browsers must use Apple’s WebKit, when iOS WebKit stops updating, every browser and webview becomes stale.

How Many People Actually Need This?

  • One camp: most users replace devices long before official EOL; only a tiny fraction will flash custom OSes or care about long‑term reuse.
  • Opposing view: many non‑tech users happily keep old hardware until apps or banking stop working; high prices mean people want longer lifetimes.
  • Some argue hardware could last ~20 years if software and batteries allowed; others counter with performance, battery, display fragility, and energy‑efficiency concerns.

Policy and Rights Proposals

  • Repeated calls for laws:
    • When support ends, vendors must unlock bootloaders or provide an “unlock kit.”
    • Or provide a documented hardware abstraction layer so community OSes can be built.
    • Concepts like “abandonware legislation” where dropped products require releasing code/schematics to owners.
  • Some would even tie this to consumer rights (refund vs unlock) or foresee EU lawsuits over downgrades and device freedom.

Apple Ecosystem & ARM Macs

  • Concern that Apple Silicon and tighter security will end the era of easy multi‑OS Macs, mirroring iOS lock‑in.
  • Several say they’ll avoid future Apple hardware because high prices plus guaranteed timed deprecation is a bad long‑term deal.

iOS 26 / Tahoe and Downgrades

  • Multiple reports that iOS 26/Tahoe is unusually buggy; users wish they could revert to iOS 18 but current devices lack exploits.
  • Some speculate only legal pressure will ever make official downgrades possible.