If you own an older iPhone or iPad, it’s important to check your device’s software version before December 18, 2024. Apple has announced that it will stop supporting iCloud backups for devices running iOS 8 or earlier. If you don’t update your device, any unsynced data will be deleted, and you won’t be able to back up your files in the future. Here’s what you need to know to protect your important data:
Which Devices Are Affected?
Starting December 18, 2024, iCloud backups will only be available for devices running iOS 9 or later. If your device is still running iOS 8 or an earlier version, Apple will remove your existing backups and no longer provide backup services.
To check if your device is affected, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to General and then About to see your current iOS version.
- If your device is updated to iOS 9 or later, you don’t need to do anything. However, if you’re still using iOS 8, you’ll need to update to a newer version to continue using iCloud backups.
What Happens If You Don’t Update?
If you don’t update to iOS 9 or later, iCloud backups will stop working after December 18, 2024. Any existing backups will be erased, and future data on your device that isn’t synced to iCloud won’t be backed up. This could result in the loss of valuable photos, videos, documents, and other files.
How to Update Your Apple Device
To keep using iCloud and ensure your data is safe, update your device’s software:
Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Most devices, including the iPhone 4S or later and iPad 2 or later, can be updated to iOS 9 or a newer version.
What If You Can’t Update Your Device?
If you can’t update your device (for example, if your device is too old to support newer iOS versions), you can still back up your data manually. Use iTunes (on older PCs or Macs) or Finder (on newer Macs) to back up your files. Apple also provides other methods for archiving data, which you can find on their support pages.
Why Is Apple Making This Change?
This move is part of Apple’s efforts to align with current software standards while ensuring the security and performance of their services. iCloud is a useful tool for syncing and backing up data, and updating your device helps keep your information safe and easily accessible.
