It&#x27;s very common among app writers, who struggle to keep up with iOS changes every year which break their app.   It&#x27;s also common that Apple will not support older devices with iOS upgrades, and if the app you need no longer supports your iOS version, you must upgrade the device  or keep working with the older app for as long as you can (bugs and all, until the app maker forces an update to continue working).<p>I have some iPhone4 devices still around, as they power 30 pin connected speakers and other devices.   But their iOS is locked to an old version, and as the apps I use continue to upgrade (and some force upgrade), the devices are forced to the ground.  Hardware itself is not terrible or low quality, but the combination of Apple&#x27;s control on hw and sw makes things it hard to consider these as &quot;investments&quot; in any way, given the high price.<p>Perhaps it&#x27;s a handheld thing; Macs and PCs appear to have better backward compatibility and longevity.