If you’re the proud owner of a retro iPhone that’s over 10 years old, you may soon be forced to splash out on an upgrade.
That’s because Apple is cutting support for several online services, like the App Store, Siri and Maps, on devices running an operating system from iOS 11 to iOS 11.2.6.
So if you own a handset which can’t upgrade to iOS 11.3 at the very least, it will be rendered largely defunct from May 2023.
Although Apple is known to stop providing bug and security updates to older operating systems, this will mark the first time it has actively reduced their functionality.
Currently, any iPhone running a version of iOS 11 can update to at least iOS 12.5.4, which includes the iPhone 5S and newer, so will still be able to use these services.
Those with an iPhone 5 (pictured) or older cannot update past iOS 10.3.4, so if Apple removes services from operating systems older than iOS 11 too, these devices will be rendered defunct
Trusted Apple leaker @StellaFudge delivered the news via Twitter, but said that iCloud will still run for iPhones running iOS 11 to iOS 11.2.6
But those with an iPhone 5 or older are still stuck with iOS 10.3.4, as Apple did not make newer operating systems available to those devices.
It is not yet known if access to these Apple services will be removed for devices running a version of iOS 10 or older too.
However, it would not be surprising if so, and this would effectively turn those smartphones into just phones, only really able to make and take calls.
This could cause issues for businesses that provide older, cheaper iPhones to employees, or Apple users who do not wish to fork out on a new devices.
Trusted Apple leaker @StellaFudge delivered the news via Twitter, but said that iCloud will still run for iPhones running iOS 11 to iOS 11.2.6.
The tweet added that some Mac computers, Macbook laptops, Apple Watches and Apple TVs may also have access to the services removed.
These are any computers running macOS 10.13 to 10.13.3, any watches running watchOS 4 to 4.2.3 and and TVs running tvOS 11-11.2.6.
Macs and Macbooks that cannot update past macOS 10.13.3 include MacBook (Late 2009), iMac (Late 2009), MacBook Air (Late 2010), MacBook Pro (Mid 2010) and Mac Mini (Mid 2010).
The only Apple Watch that cannot update from watchOS 4.2.3 is the original Apple Watch, sometimes referred to as Series 0.
Any Apple TV up to the third generation, which was released in 2012, cannot update past tvOS 11.2.6.
While leaks doesn’t always prove correct, an article from Apple released last month does support this one.
This instructs users how to update the software on their Apple device if they get a notification saying that their current version will no longer support Apple Services, like App Store, Siri and Maps.
The only Apple Watch that cannot update from watchOS 4.2.3 is the original Apple Watch (pictured), sometimes referred to as Series 0, which came out in 2015
Any Apple TV up to the third generation (pictured), which was released in 2012, cannot update past tvOS 11.2.6, so will be unable to access certain Apple services from May
It is currently unclear why Apple is now reducing the functionality of older operating systems, but it could be in preparation for an update that would break support for them, according to 9to5Mac.
But the move is unlikely to affect many devices, as only 8 per cent of iPhones currently use an older operating system than iOS 15.
The most recent update, iOS 16.4, was released last week and came with a range of new features, including the addition of 21 new emoji to the keyboard.
This include the highly anticipated pink heart icon, as well as a shaking face (‘I’m shook’), a moose, stem ginger, the Wi-Fi symbol and a pair of maracas.
Apple software updates are not always plain sailing, which explains why some are reluctant to initiate them when offered.
Some of those who have updated to iOS 16.4 complained that that a system bug is rapidly draining their device’s battery life.
Earlier this week, iPhone users across the world could not access live forecasts on the Apple Weather app, which some also linked to their new operating system.
Apple announces its next major event where it’s expected to launch a HUGE new product
After nearly eight years of development, Apple is expected to finally unveil its hotly-anticipated mixed reality headset this June.
The tech giant has confirmed that its annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) will take place between June 5 and June 9.
Apple published a blog post confirming the dates with a cryptic promo image featuring curving coloured lines – a possible nod to the headset.
Although it didn’t make any mention of the headset in the announcement, respected leaker Mark Gurman has said it will finally get its public debut in June.
It will allegedly have 10 cameras and and an operating system called realityOS with mixed reality versions of Apple apps such as FaceTime and Maps.
A glimpse of the new headset? A cryptic promo image for Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) this year features curving coloured lines
