JUST because you paid loads of cash for your gadgets doesn’t mean they’ll last forever.
Even posh products from top brands get killed off eventually – and plenty of devices and are due to stop working properly in 2025.
Here are some of the biggest gadgets going dark (totally or partially) in your home this year.
Nest Thermostats
Nest Thermostats are “smart”; gadgets that let you control your heating at home – only they’re .
, which owns Nest, is ending support for three models:
- Nest Learning Thermostat Gen 1 (2011)
- Nest Learning Thermostat Gen 2 (2012)
- Nest Learning Thermostat Gen 2 European (2014)
These models won’t get updates, and will no longer work with the Nest or Home .
That means you won’t be able to control them remotely via an app or Google Assistant. They’ll just become boring old physical thermostats.
It all goes dark on October 25 this year.
Google Stadia controller
Back in 2019, Google launched a service called Stadia that let you play by streaming them over the internet – removing the need for a console.
The service was ultimately doomed and , and that would convert your Stadia game controller into a regular Bluetooth joypad.
Now that online tool is .
That means if you don’t update your controller to become a generic joypad by then, it’s effectively just an expensive brick. Sorry.
Computers (Windows 10)
‘s latest software for your computer is . It launched in 2021 and is now widely used.
But millions of PCs will still be running Windows 10. Bad news: it’s going the way of the dodo.
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will end software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes for Windows 10.
That means not only do you lose the ability to access new features or tech help, it’ll also become increasingly dangerous to use.
If Microsoft won’t patch bugs, hackers can openly exploit them – and target you.
So if you’re using a laptop or computer running Windows 10, it’s better to upgrade ahead of the deadline. Your private files and bank account aren’t worth the risk.
Smartphones (LG)
It wasn’t so long ago that South Korean tech giant LG was a titan of the phone industry.
But in 2021, LG announced that it was putting a stopper on its smartphone efforts.
Now LG is getting ready to finally on June 30, 2025.
Once that’s done, you’ll no longer be able to download and install any updates.
That doesn’t just mean you’ll miss out on features, but important security updates too.
And those un-fixed security loopholes can then be used by crooks to target you – and make you a victim.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude towards our customers who have loved and supported mobile products,”; LG said.
“After the termination date, you will no longer be able to use the software upgrade services.
“If you wish to use the services, we strongly recommend upgrading your software before June 30, 2025.
“Furthermore, as we will no longer provide application updates, you will not be able to download default applications deleted upon initialisation.”;
Unless you’re deeply attached to it, you’re better off just buying a new phone that can still receive updates.
Skype app
Legendary chat app Skype is also set to be sunsetted – and imminently.
In fact, Microsoft plans to kill it on May 5, 2025, ending a nearly-22-year-long run.
The app will stop working, but your Skype account won’t be closed down immediately.
Instead you’ll be able to sign into Microsoft Teams using your Skype account.
Or you can save your old contacts and chats by exporting them from Skype.
Back in 2010, around 660 million people were using Skype each month – but that fell to 100 million by March 2020.
Microsoft stopped posting on its Skype blog in May 2024, and the .
It faced tough competition from the likes of Zoom, Google Meet, ‘s FaceTime, and ‘s Messenger.
iPhone (vintage)
Apple this year.
Once at least five years has passed since a gadget was last sold, Apple may declare the device “vintage”;.
Then after another two years, it’ll can be demoted to “obsolete”;.
And Apple has now placed the iPhone 6S – released back in 2015 – to the vintage list.
Once a gadget is vintage, Apple can’t guarantee repairs anymore. That’s simply because parts are more limited.
So even if you take it to an official Apple Store, they may not be able to help.
Obsolete is even worse, because then a gadget loses nearly all hardware support.
But if you’ve got an iPhone 6S, it’s probably worth upgrading as soon as possible anyway.
The iPhone 6S can only receive updates up to iOS 15, but Apple has moved on to iOS 18 (and ).
That means it’s not only missing out on new features but years of security updates too.
For a device that carries some of your most personal info, you shouldn’t risk using it without the protection of regular updates.
So upgrade to something a little newer that can get the latest updates to stay safe.
