APPLE is set to delete the iCloud data of iPhones that are still stuck using an older version of iOS.
iOS is the operating system that iPhones run on.
It means if you’re using a really old iPhone, on a decade-old version of Apple’s iOS, you could lose all your iCloud backups.
Fortunately, few people will be using an iPhone and iOS that old.
People at risk are those using iOS 8 and below.
These are near-ancient iOS versions in the Apple world, having been released more than 10 years ago.
From 18 December, iCloud backups will require iOS 9 or higher.
Handsets using any software version below iOS 8 will be unable to back up their iPhones to iCloud until that deadline.
After that date, your existing backups will be deleted, and you won’t be able to make new ones.
This is even the case for iPhone owners paying for iCloud storage.
So be mindful that you need to cancel your subscription, or upgrade to a newer iPhone model, by 18 December.
You can check which iOS your iPhone is operating on in Settings.
Simply open Settings, click General and tap Software Update – here, you will be able to see which iOS version you have.
The move forms part of Apple’s new software requirements.
Under new rules, iPhones will need to have at least iOS 10 to use certain iCloud features, such as iCloud Drive and iCloud Photos.
Even higher versions are needed for perks like iCloud+, iCloud Drive folder sharing, iCloud Shared Photo Library, Messages in iCloud, and iCloud tabs for Safari.
Apple has broken down each iOS version necessary for each iCloud feature here.
iPhone tricks to try today
Here are some of the best…
- Typing cursor – When typing, hold down the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad, letting you move around words and sentences more easily
- Close all Safari tabs – To do this in one go, simply hold the overlapped squares in the bottom right-hand corner, and press close all tabs
- Delete lots of photos quickly – Hold down on a photo and then drag your finger diagonally in Photos to select lots of images at once, then hit delete
- Convert currency quickly – Swipe down from the top of your Home screen, then tap in the bar and type a currency (like €200) and it will automatically covert to your local currency
- Check if you’re due a battery upgrade – Batteries inside smartphones degrade over time. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, and check out the Maximum Capacity reading. Generally a battery is considered worn when you’re down to 80% capacity. If you’re below, you can buy a battery swap from Apple
- Move apps around faster – Hold an app until it starts wiggling, then (while still holding) tap other apps, causing them to stack so you can move them around easier
