The iPhone 5s runs on Apple’s A7 system-on-chip, a 64-bit processor with a 1.3 GHz dual-core Apple Cyclone CPU and PowerVR G6430 GPU.
Is iPhone 5s still good in 2026?
By 2026, the iPhone 5s isn’t a practical choice anymore thanks to outdated software and hardware that can’t keep up.
Apple stopped pushing iOS updates after iOS 12.5.5, leaving the phone exposed to security holes. Most apps have ditched 32-bit support entirely, and even basic tasks feel sluggish on modern networks. Honestly, if you want something cheap and simple, grab a used iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd gen)—it’ll run circles around this thing.
What is iPhone 5s made of?
The iPhone 5s is mostly aluminum, with glass front and back panels and a stainless steel home button.
That aluminum frame gives it a solid, premium feel you’d expect from Apple. The glass back isn’t just for looks—it supports wireless charging. And that home button? Totally redesigned with a pressure-sensitive sensor instead of the old mechanical click. Apple even picked these materials with recycling in mind, which was pretty forward-thinking for 2013.
Is iPhone 5s LTE capable?
Yep, the iPhone 5s handles LTE and was actually one of the first phones to juggle multiple LTE bands.
It covers bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 13, 17, 19, 20, and 25, so it works with plenty of carriers worldwide. Flip on LTE through Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. Back in the early 2010s, this kind of broad compatibility made it a standout on 4G networks.
Are iPhones 64-bit?
Only newer iPhones are 64-bit; the iPhone 5s was the trailblazer when it launched in 2013.
Before the 5s, Apple’s iPhones ran on 32-bit chips. The switch to 64-bit with the A7 opened the door for better performance and memory handling, which is why apps today demand it. You can tell if an iPhone is 64-bit by its model number or the iOS version it runs.
Will iPhone 5S stop working?
It’s already unsafe to use online in 2026 because Apple stopped security updates back in 2021.
Without updates, the phone’s wide open to malware and other threats. Basic stuff like calls and texts might still work, but that’s about it. Apple won’t fix it, and finding repair parts gets harder every year. If you’re still hanging onto one, it’s time to upgrade—both for security and to keep up with modern apps.
Is Apple shutting down iPhone 5S?
Apple isn’t killing it off with a big switch, but it hasn’t been made since 2016 and software support ended years ago.
The phone can’t run newer iOS versions or modern apps, and developers are dropping 32-bit support fast. It’s still out there in the wild, but don’t expect it to stay useful much longer. If you rely on one daily, start planning an upgrade before apps and services leave it behind.
What is the highest iOS for iPhone 5s?
The last iOS update for the iPhone 5s was iOS 12.5.5, released on September 23, 2021.
That was purely a security patch—no new features. The 5s launched with iOS 7 and got updates all the way through iOS 12.5.5. After that, it was on its own. Check your current version in Settings > General > About > Software Version.
Will iPhone 5s get iOS 13?
Nope, the iPhone 5s never got iOS 13 or anything beyond iOS 12.5.5.
Apple cut support when iOS 13 launched in 2019. That means it can’t run apps built for iOS 13 or later, which really limits what it can do in 2026.
How do you enable LTE on iPhone 5S?
Turn on LTE by going to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and flipping “Enable LTE” to on.
- Open Settings and tap “Cellular.”
- Make sure “Cellular Data” is switched on.
- Tap “Cellular Data Options.”
- Choose “Enable LTE” and pick either “Voice & Data” or “Data Only.”
If LTE isn’t showing up, your carrier or location might not support it. You can also see your current network mode in that same menu.
Will iPhone 5S work on 5G network?
The iPhone 5s can’t connect to 5G—it’s stuck on 4G LTE and older networks.
5G didn’t exist when the 5s launched, so it’s not built for it. If you need 5G speeds, you’ll need at least an iPhone 6s. The 5s does still work fine on Wi-Fi 5GHz, though that’s a different technology.
What size screen is iPhone 5S?
The iPhone 5s has a 4-inch Retina display with 640×1136 resolution and 326 PPI.
| Spec | Value |
|---|
| Screen size | 4.0 inches |
| Resolution | 640×1136 pixels |
| PPI | 326 |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Touchscreen | Yes, capacitive |
For its time, the display was impressively sharp, though today’s phones blow it away with higher resolutions. The small size made it super easy to use with one hand back in 2013—something bigger phones struggle with.
What is 32bit vs 64bit?
A 64-bit processor handles more data at once than a 32-bit one, so it’s faster and can access more memory.
Imagine a highway: a 32-bit system is like a two-lane road, while 64-bit is more like six lanes. That extra space lets the chip process bigger numbers and use more RAM, which is why modern apps need it. It also cranks up graphics performance and multitasking—big reasons Apple jumped to 64-bit with the A7 chip.
What was the first 64-bit phone?
The first 64-bit phone was actually the HTC Desire 510, released in September 2014.
Apple beat them to it by a year with the iPhone 5s in September 2013. The Desire 510 ran Android on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410, marking a big shift for Android devices. Before this, almost every phone used 32-bit processors.
When did Apple move to 64-bit?
Apple officially went 64-bit with the iPhone 5s and its A7 chip in September 2013.
All previous iPhones ran on 32-bit chips, so this was a huge change. The A7 let the iPhone 5s boot iOS 7 in 64-bit mode, boosting performance and setting the stage for future app development. Early benchmarks showed about a 30% speed bump over 32-bit setups on the same hardware. That move basically built the foundation for Apple’s modern 64-bit ecosystem.
