How Apple Is Making Your Older iPhone Run Faster and Stay Alive Longer

your old iPhone You’ll feel a little more responsive after downloading iOS 27 later this year. At least, that’s what Apple claims. In its developer keynote at this year’s WWDC, the company said its next mobile operating system update brings several platform stability improvements that will make older devices, as far back as 2019 to the iPhone 11, run a little better.

There’s a long list of improvements, from faster PDF saving to faster camera launch in low power mode. But the main attraction? App launches are up to 30 percent faster—tested on iPhone 11 Pro Max. AirDrop file transfers are up to 80 percent faster (tested on the iPhone 16 Plus), and jumping into your Photo Library after taking a photo will load images up to 70 percent faster, as tested on the iPhone 15.

iPhone will become smarter at switching between cellular and Wi-Fi networks. Apple has also rebuilt the system that powers search in Spotlight, Photos, and Mail, which means you should ideally see Absolutely What are you looking for on the first try.

Courtesy of Apple

Some of these improvements are due to optimizations of the iPhone’s CPU scheduler. It’s a standard component in the operating system that coordinates work for the CPU, managing the traffic flow of apps and services so that the main thing you’re doing on your iPhone – the thing you’re currently focusing on – runs smoother and faster. Apple’s most advanced CPU scheduler is in its latest devices, but the team has brought many of those algorithmic advancements in iOS 27 to iPhone 11.

It’s in Apple’s best interest to keep older devices updated for as long as possible. Francisco Geronimo, vice president of data and analytics at research firm IDC, says consumers don’t want to feel forced to upgrade their smartphones. If they can keep their device longer, it’s less of a concern, and better value for money, especially when we’re spending more than ever on smartphones today.

“This is a big difference between iOS and Android,” says Geronimo. “Because consumers now know that if they buy an iOS device, it will last a long time, and it will ultimately retain its value when they decide to upgrade. An Android device – after two, three years, depending on the brand – they will no longer be able to get an upgrade. If they want to upgrade the value of the device will diminish, and they won’t be able to sell it at a higher price.”

While Apple typically supports its devices for six to seven years, only select Android phone makers like Google and Samsung promise that level of support.