If you own an older iPhone that’s more than 10 years old, you may soon have to buy a newer one.
This is because Apple will cut support for many online services, such as the App Store, Siri, and Maps, on devices running iOS 11 to iOS 11. iOS 11.2.6″ (iOS 11.2.6), according to the DailyMail report.
So if you own a device that can’t upgrade to at least iOS 11.3, your phone will most likely be largely disabled as of May 2023.
Although Apple is known to stop providing bug and security updates for older operating systems, this will be the first time that it has effectively reduced functionality.
Currently, any iPhone running iOS 11 can update to at least iOS 12.5.4, and that includes the iPhone 5S and later, so these phones will still be able to use those services. But those who have an iPhone 5 or earlier, the newer operating systems will not be available to them.
It is not yet known whether access to these Apple services will be removed for devices running iOS 10 or earlier as well.
This could cause problems for companies that provide older, cheaper iPhones to employees, or for Apple users who don’t want to buy new devices.
An Apple leaker known as StellaFudge broke the news on Twitter but said that iCloud will continue to run iPhones running iOS 11 to iOS 11.2. 6″.
As of early May, access to Apple services, with the exception of iCloud, will stop working on devices running:
– iOS 11-11.2.6
– macOS 10.13-10.13.3
– watchOS 4-4.2.3
– tvOS 11-11.2.6
You’ll likely receive notification prompting you to update— Stella – Fudge (@StellaFudge) April 5, 2023
The tweet added that some Mac and Macbook laptops, Apple Watches and Apple TVs may also not have access to the removed services.
The intended devices are computers running macOS 10.13 to 10.13.3, any watches running watchOS 4 to 4.2.3, and TVs running OS T In OS 11 (tvOS 11) to 11.2.6.
It also includes Macs and MacBooks running the previous “macOS 10.13.3” (macOS 10.13.3) such as the MacBook (Late 2009), iMac (Late 2009), MacBook Air (Late 2010), and MacBook Pro (Mid 2010) and Mac Mini (Mid 2010). And Apple TV up to the third generation, which was released in 2012.
Although leaks are not always true, an article from Apple released last month backs up this prediction.
The article guides users on how to update the software on their Apple device if they receive a notification stating that the current version will not support Apple services, such as the App Store, Siri, and Maps.
It is not yet clear why Apple is now reducing the functionality of old operating systems, but it may be a step for a major update that is not compatible with these devices, according to the 9to5Mac website.
But this step is unlikely to affect many devices, as only 8% of iPhones are currently using an operating system older than iOS 15.
The latest iOS 16.4 update was released – last week – and it came with a bunch of new features, including the addition of 21 new emoji to the keyboard.
Apple software updates aren’t always easy, which explains why some people are reluctant to start with them when they’re offered.
Some of those who have updated to iOS 16.4 have complained that a system glitch is quickly draining the battery life of their devices.
Earlier this week, iPhone users around the world were unable to access live forecasts on the Weather app, which some have also linked to the new operating system.