Apple has announced that its online services for devices running on certain older software will soon be halted. This move will impact iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs running on specific software versions. According to internal documents, this change will be implemented as early as May of this year. Apple is expected to launch its iOS 17 update soon and will unveil the new operating system during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023 event.
What Devices Will Be Affected?
The leaked information suggests that all Apple online services will stop functioning on devices running iOS 11, macOS High Sierra, watchOS 4, and tvOS 11, except for iCloud. The impacted software versions include:
- iOS 11 to iOS 11.2.6
- macOS High Sierra 10.13 to macOS 10.13.3
- watchOS 4 to watchOS 4.2.3
- tvOS 11 to tvOS 11.2.6
Users of the affected devices will receive update notifications in advance of the changes.
What Does This Mean for Apple Users?
This change will only impact a small percentage of Apple users, as only 8% of active iPhones were running iOS 14 or older, as of mid-February this year. However, those using older devices will no longer be able to access Apple services like the App Store, Siri, and Maps, unless they update their software to the latest available version. Apple has already warned users of the potential for some older software versions to be unable to support its services.
What’s Next for Apple?
Apple is expected to launch the much-anticipated iOS 17 update during the upcoming WWDC 2023 event, alongside iPadOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17. The WWDC event may also introduce Apple’s long-awaited AR/VR headset.
Key Takeaways
- Apple will halt its online services for certain older software versions on devices including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs.
- This change will impact devices running iOS 11, macOS High Sierra, watchOS 4, and tvOS 11, except for iCloud.
- The update notifications will be sent to users, and they must update their software to the latest available version to continue using Apple services like the App Store, Siri, and Maps.
- Apple is expected to launch the iOS 17 update, along with iPadOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17, during the WWDC 2023 event. The much-awaited AR/VR headset may also be introduced at this event.
