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Vernonscraggs
User level: Level 1 (41 points)

iPhone 13 unable to update iOS: Seeking upgrade for security and privacy

I’m still using iOS 18 on my iPhone 13 which I like a lot because I don’t use my phone for anything more than to make phone calls and a few text messages. I use X and instagram now and again, I watch tutorials on YouTube and for the pay per view boxing matches more often than I use other social media. I rarely use the map unless I need it and I use the calendar to remind me of my appointments. I have a VPN and that’s about it. The dilemma I have is that my phone has no ability to use the updates available so I have been thinking about getting a new iPhone that will use the update features or get a google phone to run on a different os that would help with privacy and security. What other options do I have I have had an iPhone since the iPhone 5 then the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 13 I got a couple of years ago

Posted on Nov 10, 2026 10:57 AM

2 replies

Mac Jim ID
User level: Level 10 (105,996 points)

Nov 10, 2026 11:08 AM in response to Vernonscraggs

  • Your iPhone 13 is perfectly capable of updating to iOS 27.2.1 which includes all the latests security updates.
  • The VPN is the weakest link in your security. Don't be fooled by their marketing.

https://gist.github.com/joepie91/5a9909939e6ce7d09e29

https://overengineer.dev/blog/2019/04/08/very-precarious-narrative/

  • If you want to get a Google phone, then that is certainly a choice you can make. Have no idea what OS you would be referring to for privacy and security. Google has never been known to be a privacy focused company when it comes to their users data.


The number one thing I would check on your iPhone 13 is the Battery Health. The battery was only expected to last 500 charges cycles on that device and it likely would make more sense to put that money into a newer device. That might make your determination on getting a new phone easier.

LD150
User level: Level 10 (107,674 points)

Nov 10, 2026 11:00 AM in response to Vernonscraggs

VPN will increase your exposure, it will not protect you. Where is your internet traffic going? Do you know?


Update to iOS27 if you want the latest security updates.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256392113