Apple Planned Obsolescence: Older iPhones at Risk After Sept 9
The Apple September 9 Event 2025 Is Coming. Sleek new iPhones and features will take the spotlight. But hidden behind the excitement is a growing anxiety among users of older devices. Because history has a habit of repeating itself.
Every year, millions watch with anticipation as Apple unveils new products. The Apple September 9 event 2025 is no different.
Whenever Apple introduces a major update, older iPhones seem to suffer. Users report battery drain, sluggish performance, and a general loss of responsiveness. While Apple calls this progress, critics call it something else entirely—planned obsolescence.
Planned Obsolescence: A Pattern Apple Can’t Shake
The term “planned obsolescence” has haunted Apple for years. It gained global attention in 2017 when Apple admitted to slowing down older iPhones to prevent unexpected shutdowns. The company defended the decision as a battery-saving measure. But users and regulators didn’t buy it.
Several lawsuits followed. Apple was forced to pay settlements in multiple countries and introduced a battery health feature to restore public trust. Despite these efforts, suspicion lingers. And with every September event, that suspicion grows stronger.
In this year’s keynote, Apple is expected to announce iOS 19. Insiders claim the new operating system will bring powerful features and tighter security. But those benefits may come at a cost—especially for users with iPhones older than the 12 series. Already, online forums are filling with warnings and speculations. The mood is cautious, not celebratory.
What iOS 19 Might Mean for Aging Devices
As the Apple September 9 event 2025 approaches, early reports suggest iOS 19 will demand more from device hardware. That could spell trouble for iPhones released before 2021. These older models often lack the processing power to handle the demands of new software, even if technically compatible.
Many users remember what happened with iOS 11 or iOS 14. Phones that once worked fine suddenly lagged. Apps froze. Battery life nosedived. Even the camera slowed to a crawl. Apple called it necessary evolution. But for users, it felt like sabotage.
This year, fears are intensifying. Will iOS 19 continue the cycle? Will Apple push performance-heavy features that quietly sideline its older lineup?
We’ve seen this before. And while Apple insists its updates improve the user experience, the result often feels like a push toward a new purchase.
If you’re wondering whether to update your older iPhone after the event, you’re not alone. The smart move might be to wait, watch reviews, and weigh your options carefully.
Apple’s Public Position and the Need for Transparency
Apple maintains that it does not practice planned obsolescence. Its updates are designed to balance innovation with support for older models. But the company’s track record invites scrutiny. Performance degradation and battery issues have become predictable side effects of major iOS launches.
Users demand more control. They want to decide whether to prioritize battery life or performance. Most importantly, they want clear, honest communication. With the Apple September 9 event 2025, Apple has a fresh opportunity to rebuild that trust—or risk deepening the divide.
For official updates, Apple’s newsroom provides real-time coverage. And for a full history of Apple’s iOS updates, see our archived iOS evolution timeline.
The Bigger Picture After the Apple September 9 Event 2025
When the lights fade on Apple’s big stage and the confetti settles, questions will remain. New products will ship, new features will trend, and excitement will build. But behind the glossy marketing, millions of users will be quietly testing iOS 19 on devices nearing the end of their supported lifespan.
Will Apple reward their loyalty with stable, respectful software? Or will another wave of slowdowns lead to another round of outrage?
Time will tell. But one thing is certain—the Apple September 9 event 2025 isn’t just about what’s new. It’s about how Apple treats what’s old.
A seasoned journalist with over 30 years of rich and diverse experience in print and electronic media, her professional stints include working with Sahara English Magazine and JAIN TV and All India Radio. She has also produced several documentary films through her self-owned production house Gajpati Communications. She is also the Station Director of Aligarh based FM Radio Station, and the General Secretary of WADA NGO.
