Apple to Delete iCloud Backups for Old iPhones and iPads by December 18

iCloud: Apple, known for its long-term support for older devices, has announced a major change that will affect users with devices running iOS 8 or earlier. Starting December 18, 2024, iCloud backups for these older devices will no longer be supported. Additionally, all existing iCloud backups on these devices will be permanently deleted.

If you own an older iPhone or iPad, here’s everything you need to know and how to safeguard your data before the deadline.

What’s Changing?

Apple recently sent an email to affected users, explaining the following key points:

• No Support for New Backups: Devices running iOS 8 or earlier will no longer be able to back up their data to iCloud.
• Existing Backups Will Be Deleted: All current iCloud backups for these devices will be removed from Apple’s servers.
• Devices Are Still Functional: The apps and data stored on the devices themselves will remain unaffected.

Why Is Apple Making This Change?

The shift seems to be related to Apple’s transition to CloudKit, introduced with iOS 9. This newer system powers modern iCloud backups. Apple is aligning its services with the “minimum software requirements” and phasing out the older backup infrastructure, which has become obsolete.

How to Back Up Your Old Devices Before December 18

Although iCloud backups for iOS 8 or earlier will be discontinued, you can still manually back up your data. Here’s how:

For Mac Users

1. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to your Mac using a USB cable.
2. Open the Finder app.
3. Click on General in the Finder window.
4. Select the option: Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.
5. Click the Back Up Now button.

For Windows Users

1. Connect your device to your PC using a USB cable.
2. Launch iTunes.
3. Select your device when it appears in iTunes.
4. Go to the Summary tab.
5. Click on Back Up Now, located under the Backups section.

What Does This Mean for Users?

This change impacts users who rely on iCloud for their backups but are using older devices that cannot upgrade beyond iOS 8. To retain your data:

• Consider transferring essential files to a newer device.
• Use manual backups to a computer as an alternative.
• Regularly save critical data to avoid any risk of loss after the iCloud backup deletion.

Apple’s decision to discontinue iCloud backups for devices running iOS 8 or earlier is part of its broader strategy to modernize its ecosystem. While it may be inconvenient for users of older devices, manual backups provide a way to safeguard important data.

With December 18, 2024, just around the corner, make sure to act promptly and secure your data. Transitioning to newer devices might also be worth considering, given the growing limitations of older software and hardware.