Technology

If your smart home or phone setup feels just right, brace yourself — 2025 is turning into a graveyard for once-popular tech. From thermostats to game controllers, a long list of devices is hitting end-of-life status this year, leaving users with broken functionality, no updates, or total system lockouts.

Here’s what’s headed for retirement:

• Nest Thermostats (certain models): Will lose smart home integration by fall, turning once-connected devices into expensive temperature dials.
• Stadia Controllers: The Bluetooth conversion tool is ending support this December, leaving unused gear stranded in drawers.
• Windows 10: Microsoft officially ends support this October — meaning no more security updates and rising vulnerability risks for millions of users.
• LG Smartphones: No more updates as of June. If you’re still hanging on to one, your Android version might already be past its prime.
• Skype: After decades of dial tones and chat pings, it’s done. Microsoft is migrating users to Teams.
• iPhone 6S: Added to Apple’s “vintage” list, which limits repairs and future iOS compatibility.

Why does this matter?

For everyday users, the implications go beyond inconvenience. Devices losing updates become potential security risks. Smart tech that no longer connects can interrupt routines and force unexpected upgrades.

It’s also a reminder of the disposable pace of modern tech

Even once-revolutionary products — like LG’s phones or Skype’s video calling — can fade quickly in a market that rewards the next big thing. As cloud services evolve and AI becomes more embedded, hardware must keep up… or be left behind.If you’re holding onto any of these devices, it might be time to consider an upgrade — or at least brace for a few frustrating error messages in the months ahead.