{
  "id": 19325775,
  "title": "iPhone 5C searches surge 40,500% as retro tech trend takes off",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/iphone-5c-searches-surge-40-500-as-retro-tech-trend-takes-off",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-10T10:15:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/iphone-5c-searches-are-up-40-500-percent-as-gen-z-boards-the-retro-camera-trend-but-privacy-experts-warn-it-cant-protect-personal-data-in-the-way-more-modern-iphones-do"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the past year, searches for \"buy iPhone 5C\" have surged by 40,500%, indicating a resurgence in popularity among Gen Z users. This trend is attributed to the iPhone 5C's appeal as a retro digital camera alternative, boasting an 8MP camera that excels at capturing 'Y2K aesthetic' photos. However, using an iPhone 5C as a smartphone poses significant security risks. Lee Elliott, chief product officer at Compare and Recycle, warns that the phone's last supported iOS version is iOS 10.3.3, released in 2017. This lack of updates leaves users vulnerable to data leaks, hacking, and other security breaches. To mitigate these risks, Elliott recommends using the iPhone 5C solely as a digital camera by keeping it offline, disconnected from cellular data and personal Apple accounts. Photos should be transferred to a computer via cable rather than iCloud, and a disposable Apple ID should be created for any online activities. Following these precautions allows users to enjoy the iPhone 5C's retro camera features while minimizing security vulnerabilities.",
  "summary": "The iPhone 5C is a retro tech revelation for Gen Z, but it's also extremely vulnerable to hacks and viruses.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}