Apple has announced significant changes to its backup policies, effective December 18, 2024, which will impact users of older iOS devices. The company revealed it would permanently delete any iCloud backups for devices running iOS 8 or earlier, requiring users to update their software to iOS 9 or later to continue using iCloud Backup services. This discontinuation has raised concerns among many users who may not be aware of their device's software version or may be hesitant to upgrade.
The decision is part of Apple's strategy to align its iCloud services with newer versions of iOS, which utilize advanced features and security enhancements. According to Apple, supporting older devices was becoming increasingly challenging due to the vast advancements made with each new iOS update. Devices running iOS 8 date back to 2014, and the number of users still operating on this older version is minimal, yet significant enough to prompt attention.
Starting on the specified date, users will find their existing iCloud backups deleted if their devices are not updated. The change means they won’t be able to create new backups or access their existing data stored on iCloud. Apple stresses, though, any apps, files, and settings present on the actual device will remain untouched, allowing users to still access their information directly from their iPhones or iPads.
For those whose devices are capable of updating, Apple suggests checking the settings to determine their current iOS version. Users can navigate to Settings > General > About to find this information. If the device can run iOS 9 or later—which includes the iPhone 4S, iPad 2, or 5th generation iPod Touch—they are encouraged to update as soon as possible to avoid disruptions to their backup capabilities.
Updating the device is quite straightforward: users can simply head to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the prompts provided. Alternatively, they can connect their devices to their Mac or PC and use iTunes or Finder to check for and install available updates.
What if your device is too old? For users who own devices incapable of supporting iOS 9, there are still ways to safeguard their data. They can manually back up their content using iTunes (for Windows or older macOS versions) or Finder (for macOS Catalina and later). Connecting the device via USB, these users can select their device on their computer and create local backups to preserve their important files. It’s even possible to encrypt these backups, adding another layer of security.
Apple’s move to discontinue iCloud support for older versions might seem inconvenient for some, but the tech giant has emphasized this is necessary for enhancing security and overall service reliability for the majority of its users. By phasing out support for outdated systems, Apple can devote more resources to improving functionality and user experience for modern devices.
It's important to note, this wasn't just about the deletions. Users of older devices could also face another consequence, as Apple is halting support for syncing bookmarks through iCloud for devices running iOS 10 or earlier. From the same cutoff date, December 18, 2024, the ability to sync bookmarks will also be lost if the software is not updated to iOS 11 or later.
To prepare for this change, Apple recommends all users currently operating on iOS 8 or lower act swiftly to either start the update process or create manual backups. Ensuring you have your data backed up and secured can save users from potential headaches down the line. With the deadline looming, the time is now to check those devices!
Apple has positioned this update not just as mere policy change, but as part of its broader mission to prioritize user data security and to optimize the performance of its services. By urging users to embrace newer iterations of the software, the company is working to fortify its ecosystem against vulnerabilities tied to older versions no longer receiving the necessary updates and patches.
With iCloud being one of the most utilized cloud storage services globally, ensuring users have secure and reliable backup options is of utmost importance to Apple. Consequently, this aligned approach to software and services should lead to improvements across the board—enhancing the experience for millions of iPhone and iPad users worldwide.
So, if you think your iPhone is safe because it’s always been fine so far, you might want to rethink things. The reality is, technology evolves rapidly and for Apple users, staying current with software updates is key to enjoying all the features and benefits the company has to offer.
Don't wait until it's too late! Ensure you know your device's iOS version, back up your data, and get ready for December 18.
