The iPhone 5 came out in 2012. No, not as a phone on US networks.
The quick answer
- Calls and texts: no, on US carriers
- Software: stuck on iOS 10
- Still works offline or on Wi-Fi for some uses
- Best kept as a backup device or collectible
Calls after the 3G shutdown
The iPhone 5 has 4G data but not VoLTE. Apple added VoLTE with the iPhone 6, so the iPhone 5 can't make calls on US networks.
Who it still works for
Collectors, or as an offline music player, camera or alarm. As a phone, it needs replacing.
If you're replacing it
A refurbished iPhone 13 or newer still gets current iOS and costs far less than it did new. For a new phone on a budget, several carriers give away an iPhone 16e or Galaxy A-series phone when you switch. Pair it with a low-cost plan such as Mint Mobile ($15 a month for 6GB on a 12-month term) or Visible ($25 for unlimited, taxes included).
Current offers from Metro, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and Xfinity.
See phone deals →Frequently asked questions
Does the iPhone 5 still work in 2026? +
What's the last software version for the iPhone 5? +
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Jean Gilles has researched personal finance, consumer technology, and wireless pricing for over a decade. He founded ShopCellPlans in 2019 and writes every review on the site.