When Apple released the iPhone XR, no one knew about COVID-19, and most people only wore masks on Halloween.

This iPhone was launched in September 2018, exactly six years ago. On Monday, Apple announced that it would continue to support this device for another year, meaning it can be used for at least seven years.

Apple typically renders some older iPhones obsolete each year by discontinuing software support. In 2023, Apple discontinued support for three iPhone models. The previous year, even more models were phased out. This benefits revenue generation, as most users opt to upgrade and pay $500 or more. This is known as the "upgrade cycle," which investors love.

However, Apple has taken a different approach this year. It hasn't made any iPhones obsolete. The new iOS 18 supports the same older devices as iOS 17. Currently, Apple supports up to 28 iPhone models (including the second and third generations of iPhone SE).

Is Apple simply trying to be more user-friendly? Does it no longer want billions in "upgrade cycle" revenue? That's part of it. Apple cares deeply about users' perceptions of its technology. Rendering millions of iPhones obsolete each year would upset users.

However, there's a deeper reason behind this decision.

Apple is gradually introducing new AI features on some of its latest iPhones. But this Apple smart technology won't be fully enabled until 2025.

Meanwhile, Google and Samsung have already launched Android smartphones with more AI features on the market.

If Apple were to make two or three older iPhone models obsolete now, millions of consumers might be tempted to buy new smartphones. What if these users decide to try out Android devices and experience the new AI features?

Even if only a small fraction of old iPhone users switch to Android, it would be a loss for Apple. Apple has been growing its user base in recent years, so retaining all users on its iOS platform is particularly important.

'Apple doesn't want to lose any customers,' Dan Ives, a technology analyst at Wedbush Securities, told me on Monday.

Some Android phone manufacturers have also made significant commitments to device support. Earlier this year, Samsung announced seven years of software updates for its Galaxy phones. Apple may be doing the same to keep users on its platform.

If Apple achieves this goal, the full Apple smart feature set will arrive in 2025. At that point, Apple may experience a significant upgrade cycle.

Apple smart features will only be available on the new iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. If these features are compelling enough, users may have a legitimate reason to replace their old phones next year.

'They want to keep everyone on board before rolling out Apple smart upgrades,' Ives explained. 'This time, it's about changing the model. The biggest upgrade cycle in Apple's history is coming.'