Honestly, the iPhone X shouldn't still be a thing. It’s almost nine years old. In the tech world, that’s basically ancient history—like trying to drive a 1990s sedan on a modern racing track. But walk into any coffee shop or hop on a train today, and you’ll still see that familiar notched glass back everywhere.
It’s weirdly resilient.
When Apple dropped this thing in 2017, it was a $1,000 gamble that changed everything. No home button? Face ID? A "notch"? People freaked out. Fast forward to early 2026, and the iPhone X has become the ultimate "survivor" phone. But using the iPhone X right now isn't exactly the same experience it was back in the day. If you're holding onto one or thinking about picking up a used unit for $90, there are some harsh realities you need to face.
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The Software Ceiling is Real
Here is the big one: the iPhone X is stuck.
While the newer kids on the block are running iOS 26.2 with its translucent "Liquid Glass" interface and heavy AI integration, the iPhone X officially tapped out at iOS 16. Apple released a security patch—iOS 16.7.12—back in late 2025, but that’s mostly just keeping the lights on. You aren't getting the fancy new features. No Memory Integrity Enforcement. No advanced satellite messaging.
Does that matter? For most people, surprisingly, no.
WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube still work. For now. But we’re hitting the point where developers are starting to pull the plug. If an app requires the latest APIs found in iOS 18 or iOS 26, you’re just out of luck. It’s a slow fade into obsolescence. You’ll try to download a new game or a work app, and you’ll get that dreaded "Incompatible with this device" pop-up.
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Performance in a 5G World
The A11 Bionic chip was a beast in 2017. Today? It’s more of a tired pack mule.
Multitasking is where you feel it. Switching between Google Maps and Spotify can cause a noticeable two-second lag that feels like an eternity when you're in a rush. Also, let's talk about the internet. The iPhone X is a 4G LTE device. In 2026, carriers are prioritizing 5G bands like crazy. In crowded areas—stadiums, city centers, airports—your iPhone X might struggle to find a stable signal while your friend with an iPhone 17 Pro is pulling down gigabit speeds.
It's not that 4G is "bad," it's just that it's no longer the priority. You're living in the slow lane.
That OLED Screen: The Gift and the Curse
The display on the iPhone X is still, somehow, beautiful.
Apple used Samsung-manufactured OLED panels that were way ahead of their time. The 458 ppi density is still sharp enough that you can't see pixels. But "burn-in" is a very real ghost in the machine for long-term users. If you’ve used the same device for years, you might see a faint ghost of the status bar or your home screen icons whenever the screen is white.
Expert Tip: If you're buying a used iPhone X in 2026, check the screen for a pink or yellow tint. These panels age, and the color accuracy eventually drifts.
The Battery Anxiety is No Joke
If you are using the iPhone X with its original battery, you’re probably tethered to a wall outlet. Lithium-ion batteries have a shelf life. After nine years, most "original" batteries are sitting at 70% health or lower.
At that level, the phone will literally throttle itself to prevent shutting down. It’s called "peak performance capability," and once you lose it, the phone becomes a stuttering mess. Replacing the battery is basically mandatory if you want to keep using the iPhone X as a daily driver. It costs about $70 to $90 at a reputable shop, which—let's be honest—is almost the entire resale value of the phone.
The Camera: Why it "Hits Different"
Social media is currently obsessed with "vintage" digital camera looks, and the iPhone X has accidentally become a beneficiary of this trend.
Modern iPhones (like the 15, 16, and 17 series) use aggressive HDR processing. They brighten shadows and sharpen edges until the photo looks almost hyper-real. The iPhone X doesn't do that. Its 12MP dual-camera setup produces photos that look... natural.
- Low Light: This is where it falls apart. There is no Night Mode. If you’re at a dark bar or a concert, your photos will be grainy and muddy.
- Video: It still shoots 4K at 60fps. Honestly? The video quality is still better than many mid-range Android phones released last year.
- Portraits: The 2x telephoto lens handles depth fairly well, though it lacks the sophisticated edge detection of the newer LiDAR-equipped models.
Is it Still Safe to Use?
This is the question that actually matters.
Security researchers, like those at Malwarebytes and Apple’s own security teams, have warned that once a phone stops getting major OS updates, it becomes a target. While Apple did release security patches for iOS 16 recently to fix WebKit vulnerabilities, those updates won't last forever.
If you use your phone for high-stakes banking, crypto wallets, or sensitive work data, using the iPhone X is getting risky. You’re missing out on the "Rapid Security Responses" that newer phones get. You are essentially relying on a digital fortress that hasn't had its locks changed in years.
The Financial Reality
Check the trade-in sites today. A 64GB iPhone X in "Good" condition is fetching maybe $80 to $110. A 256GB model might hit $140 if it’s pristine.
It’s no longer an investment; it’s a utility tool. It’s the perfect "burner" phone, a great device for a kid’s first smartphone, or a dedicated music player for your car. But as a primary device? You’re fighting a losing battle against time.
Actionable Steps for iPhone X Owners
If you aren't ready to let go yet, you need to optimize.
- Check Battery Health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If it’s under 80%, pay for the replacement. It’ll make the phone feel twice as fast because the CPU won't be throttled.
- Offload Unused Apps: Storage is likely tight. Go to General > iPhone Storage and enable "Offload Unused Apps" to save space for those massive system caches.
- Use Lite Apps: Whenever possible, use the web version of a service instead of the app. Safari is surprisingly well-optimized for the A11 chip, whereas the Facebook or TikTok apps are resource hogs that will heat up your phone in minutes.
- Restart Weekly: Since you aren't getting system-level refreshes from updates, a hard reboot (Volume Up, Volume Down, hold Power) helps clear out ghost processes that bog down the 3GB of RAM.
- Plan the Exit: Keep an eye on the iPhone 13 or 14 markets. These are currently the "sweet spot" for upgrades in 2026, offering 5G and better iOS support longevity without the $1,000 price tag of the newest Pro models.
The iPhone X was a masterpiece of industrial design. It’s still one of the best-feeling phones Apple ever made. But in 2026, the gap between "usable" and "enjoyable" is wider than ever. Using it today is a choice to prioritize nostalgia and aesthetics over security and speed. It’s doable, but the clock is ticking.