Apple Will Delete and Discontinue iCloud Backup Support for iPhones Running iOS 8 and Older

Highlights

• Apple will discontinue iCloud backup support for devices running iOS 8 or earlier.
• The support will stop starting December 18, 2024.
• Existing backups on these devices will also be deleted.
• To keep using iCloud backups, users need to update their devices to iOS 9 or later.
• Apple suggests manual backup methods for those who can’t update.

Apple has started notifying users of older software about a major change in its iCloud backups.

According to the new notification, iCloud backups will stop working and even be deleted for devices running iOS 8 or earlier.

In a newly published support document, Apple explains: “Starting December 18, 2024, device backups will require iOS 9 or later. This is to align more closely with our published minimum software requirements. Until this date, you’ll be able to use the service as normal. Afterward, your backup data will be deleted unless you update to iOS 9 or later.”

This means that if your iPhone or iPad is on iOS 8 or an older version, you’ll no longer be able to create or access iCloud backups after mid-December. Any existing backups stored on iCloud will also be removed.

I just got this email from Apple pic.twitter.com/HkFRO8Jmsh

— Nicolás Alvarez (@nicolas09F9) November 18, 2024

To keep your backups safe, users will have to update to iOS 9 or newer. If for some reason you can’t or don’t want to update, Apple suggests using manual backup methods. Here’s how you can do that –

• On a Mac running macOS Catalina or newer: Back up your device through Finder.
• On a PC or older macOS versions: Use the Apple Devices app or iTunes to back up your data.

iOS 8 was released a decade ago and is now understandably considered outdated by users and Apple alike. While it’s understandable that the change targets very old software, it may still make things difficult for those using older iPhones or iPads that continue to function.

If you’ve been holding onto an old Apple device, this could be a good time to upgrade to a newer model. Otherwise, it is time to at least make sure your data is safely backed up elsewhere.

FAQs

Q1. When will iCloud backups stop for iPhones running iOS 8 or earlier?

Answer. iCloud backups will no longer be supported for devices running iOS 8 or earlier starting December 18, 2024.

Q2. What will happen to existing iCloud backups for devices running iOS 8 or earlier?

Answer. Any existing iCloud backups for devices running iOS 8 or earlier will be deleted unless the devices are updated to iOS 9 or later.

Q3. How can iOS 8 or earlier OS users back up their data?

Answer. Users can back up their devices using Finder on macOS Catalina or newer, or through the Apple Devices app or iTunes on a PC or older macOS versions.

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