iPhones with older software wont support Apples online services

Inside the Apple ecosystem, the software is as crucial as the hardware. Through its various online services, Apple enhances the iPhone experience, so these online services are deeply tied to the software, even on older iPhones. In other words, you could still use Apple’s latest iMessage on an iPhone 3GS or FaceTime on the iPhone 4. But that is reportedly changing. Apple may discontinue its online services for iPhone devices on older software. Also Read: Apple iPad Pro Launched In India With New M5 Chip, Ultra Retina XDR Display: Price, Specs

According to a tipster who goes by StellaFrudge on Twitter, who has a decent track record of sharing Apple-related leaks, nearly all of Apple’s online services will no longer support devices running iOS 11, macOS High Sierra, watchOS 4, and tvOS 11. Only iCloud will reportedly be available on these devices, per the leak, which also said that Apple will notify users of devices on older software about the upcoming changes in the availability of the company’s online services. Apple would also urge users to update their devices to the latest software, if available. Also Read: Apple Launches 14-inch MacBook Pro With M5 Chip And Up To 24-Hour Battery Life: Check Price And Availability

While this leak is not the only instance to reveal what Apple is planning. According to MacRumors, Apple, last month published a new support article where it outlined that “older software versions will no longer support Apple Services like the App Store, Siri, and Maps.” Apple, however, did not specify what software versions it would consider older. But this should broadly mean devices that cannot be updated to iOS 12 or later, macOS Catalina, watchOS 5, and tvOS 12 will not support Apple’s online services. Also Read: iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15: Best Deal To Grab This Diwali Under Rs 50000

Apple also did not specify a reason as to why older software will stop supporting the company’s online services. One possibility is that the iPhone maker is likely working to upgrade all its services and that might break support for devices running old software. This may be similar to how WhatsApp works. WhatsApp stops working on your device unless you update it to the latest software. Sure, the number of iPhones, Macs, Apple TVs, and Apple Watches still on older software is low, meaning this would affect a handful of users.