ICloud Backup Support Ended for Older iOS Devices

Older iPhones and iPads Lose iCloud Backup Support

If you’re still hanging on to an older iPhone or iPad running iOS 12 or earlier, there’s some bad news. As of December 20, 2024, Apple has discontinued iCloud backup support for these devices. This means that you’ll no longer be able to back up your data to iCloud using your existing device. If you need to create a backup, you’ll have to do so using a newer device running a supported iOS version or by using iTunes on a computer. While this change might come as a disappointment to some users, it highlights teh ever-evolving nature of technology and the importance of keeping your devices updated. As software advances, older hardware may no longer be supported, and access to certain features might potentially be discontinued. If you’re unsure about the iOS version your device is running, you can easily check in the Settings app. Go to “General” and then select “About.” Your iOS version will be listed there.

Older iPhones and iPads Can No Longer Back Up to iCloud

Owners of older Apple devices running iOS 8 or earlier have likely noticed a change in their iCloud backup options.Last November, Apple quietly discontinued iCloud backup support for these devices. This means any attempts to back up an iPhone or iPad with iOS 8 or earlier to iCloud will now fail.

Adding to the inconvenience, it seems any existing iCloud backups for these devices have been deleted as well. This news comes from MacRumors, a source known for its accurate reporting on all things Apple.

Apple made a significant change to iCloud backups for devices running iOS 8 or earlier. While this update affects how iCloud handles backups for these older devices, it’s important to know that any apps and data already stored on those devices are safe.

Users can still back up this existing data manually using a Mac or PC. If updating to iOS 9 or a later version is an option, iCloud backups will become available again. Though, for those who are unable to upgrade, manual backups remain the only solution.

iCloud Backups and the Rise of CloudKit

Apple’s iCloud storage service has undergone significant changes over the years, notably when it comes to how backups are handled. with the release of iOS 9,Apple made a notable shift in its infrastructure,transitioning to a new system called CloudKit for iCloud backups. This move effectively replaced the older backup system,marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of iCloud.

iCloud Backups and the Rise of CloudKit

Apple’s iCloud storage service has undergone significant changes over the years, particularly when it comes to how backups are handled. With the release of iOS 9,Apple made a notable shift in its infrastructure,transitioning to a new system called CloudKit for iCloud backups.This move effectively replaced the older backup system,marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of iCloud.
## Apple Drops iCloud Backup Support for Older iPhones and iPads



**Archyde: Welcome back to Archyde Tech Talks. Today we’re discussing a recent development that will impact manny iPhone and iPad users. Joining us is tech expert Anya Sharma to shed some light on Apple’s decision to discontinue iCloud backup support for older devices. Anya, thanks for being here.**





**Anya Sharma:** It’s my pleasure to be here.



**Archyde:** So, let’s get right into it. Apple announced that starting December 20th, 2024, users with iPhones or iPads running iOS 12 or earlier will no longer be able to back up their data to iCloud. What prompted this decision?



**Anya Sharma:** This is a classic case of technological evolution. apple constantly updates its systems and platforms to improve security, performance, and compatibility with newer features. Devices running iOS 12 or earlier are simply not equipped to handle the demands of these newer systems.



**archyde:** That makes sense. But this news will definitely come as a blow to many users who are still using these older devices. What alternatives do they have for backing up their data?



**Anya Sharma:** Ther are a couple of options. The most straightforward solution is to upgrade to a newer iPhone or iPad running a supported iOS version. This will allow them to seamlessly continue using iCloud backups. though, I realize that may not be feasible for everyone due to cost or personal preference. In that case, they can still back up their data using iTunes on a computer.



**Archyde:** For those unfamiliar with iTunes backups, can you explain how that process works?



**Anya Sharma:** Certainly.It involves connecting your device to a computer with iTunes installed and following the prompts to initiate a backup. While it’s a bit more manual than iCloud backups,it’s still a reliable method for preserving your data.



**Archyde:** Great advice, Anya.It’s always important to have multiple backup solutions in place to safeguard against data loss.



**Any final tips for our listeners who are using older iPhones or iPads?**



**Anya Sharma:** I strongly recommend making a backup quickly, whether it’s through iTunes or by migrating to a newer device. You never know when unforeseen circumstances might arise, and losing your precious data can be devastating.







**Archyde: Thank you so much for your insights, Anya.This has been valuable information for our viewers. For more tech updates and expert advice, be sure to visit Archyde.com.**