pixel
Connect with us

Apple

Apple to delete iCloud backups for iPhones running iOS 8 or older

You can update your iPhone/iPad to iOS 9 or newer or use Apple’s alternative method.

icloud logo with blurred background
Image: KnowTechie

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

Apple has recently begun notifying users about a crucial change that will occur next month, December. 

The iPhone company is dropping the hammer on users running iOS 8 or older, letting them know that their iCloud backups will stop working or may even be deleted, pushing users to move on to a newer version of iOS or opt for alternate storage methods. 

The change will take place starting December 18, 2024. 

Devices running iOS 8 or older will lose iCloud backup support

The report comes through a recently published support document describing the significant change Apple is about to drop. 

According to the document, backing up your device will require iOS 9 or later starting December 18, 2024. 

Blank tablet on wooden table with stylus
Image: Unsplash

However, before that day, the service will continue as usual. However, there’s not much time left, roughly a month, so it’s about time you update to a newer version of iOS if your iPhone is stuck at iOS 8 or look for alternatives. 

If your iPhone/iPad runs iOS 8 or older, your iCloud backups will be a no-go starting mid-December. You won’t be able to create an iCloud backup, and the existing ones will be erased. 

The cleanest solution is to update to iOS 9 or newer. However, if you don’t want to update, don’t worry. Apple isn’t leaving you totally hanging. The company has outlined an alternative in the document. 

According to the document, you can do manual backups through Macs or PCs.

To back up your iPhone or iPad via Finder, you must connect it to a Mac running macOS Catalina or newer.

Meanwhile, if you have a PC or an older macOS version, you need to run the backup through Apple Devices or the iTunes app. 

iOS 8 is a decade old, and no wonder Apple has decided to take this drastic step. So, if you have an old iPhone or iPad still running the older software, buddy, it’s time to move on. 

Do you have an older iPhone you’re still using with iCloud? Will this change affect you? Tell us more down below in the comments section, or ping us via our Twitter or Facebook.

Follow us on Flipboard, Google News, or Apple News

Saurav loves writing and tech. So, after engineering, he didn't look back and embarked on a journey to become a tech writer. Saurav has worked for various tech websites across the globe. Saurav has recently joined Know Techie and is proud to be a part of it.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Indigo Liang

    November 28, 2024 at 4:46 am

    It’s concerning to hear that Apple will stop supporting iCloud backups for devices running iOS 8 or older. This change highlights the ongoing challenge of keeping older iPhones secure and functional as technology advances. For users stuck with activation issues on these outdated devices, tools like **TunesKit iPhone Unlocker** can be a lifesaver, helping regain access without relying on iCloud backups. It’s yet another reminder of the importance of keeping devices updated to avoid losing critical features.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Apple