Apple to Discontinue Online Services for Devices Running Older Software Versions from Next Month

Apple, the manufacturer of high-end smartphones, is set to discontinue online services for older versions of software from next month onwards. This move will affect older software versions across the Apple ecosystem, including some versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, but iCloud services will remain unaffected. Industry expert Stella Fudge confirmed the news via Twitter, stating that the process will likely begin in early May. However, users with older versions of software on their devices may receive a notification prompting them to update their software.

Apple’s services that will be discontinued for older software versions are as follows: iOS 11 – iOS 11.2.6, macOS 10.13 – macOS 10.13.3, watchOS 4 – watchOS 4.2.3, and tvOS 11 – tvOS 11.2.6. The company will likely send a push notification to affected users, encouraging them to update their devices to newer software versions. An internal Apple document cited by MacRumors revealed that affected users may receive a push notification to update their devices.

Apple did not provide any clarification as to why most of its services will stop working with these older software versions, but the change will only affect a small percentage of users. According to a support document published by Apple last month and obtained by MacRumors, “Some older software versions will no longer support Apple Services like the App Store, Siri, and Maps. Update your software to the latest available version to continue using these services.”

Meanwhile, Apple has released a new update, iOS 16.4, which includes new features such as a new set of emojis, web push notifications, voice isolation for cellular calls, and more. Users can update to the latest version by navigating to Settings, General, and then Software Update. MacRumors reached out to Apple for comment, but the company did not respond.