iCloud backups for older iPhones to soon be deleted

If you happen to use an older iPhone, or more importantly, an iPhone running on an older version of the iOS operating system, you may want to update it as soon as possible. Why? Because Apple has recently announced that it iCloud backups will not just stop running, but also be deleted on iPhones running iOS 8 or older. Read on.

iCloud backups on iPhones running iOS 8 or older: What’s there to know?

Starting December 18, 2024, you will need to ensure your iPhone is running on iOS 9 or later, or else, your data will be deleted from iCloud. Now, say you don’t want to, or are unable to update your iPhone for some reason.

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Well, one can also manually back up their data via a MacBook or an iMac, or even a Windows PC. In the case of the former, you can connect your iPhone to the devices if they’re running on macOS Catalina or later, via Finder. In the case of the latter, you can back up your data via Apple Devices or iTunes apps.

If at all you don’t have that option either, you can always consider opting for alternative cloud storage services including Google Drive and Microsoft’s OneDrive.

Why should you update your iPhone regularly?

Now the news doesn’t necessarily come as a surprise, bearing in mind how iOS 8 is about 10 years old now. Which brings us to the next important bit. Why you should keep your iOS version up to date.

First off, is the improved functionality. With each update, Apple ensures faster performance, slicker animations and better battery life.

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Additionally, each new update also ensures your iPhone isn’t vulnerable to any security risks, in the form of cyberattacks. Most importantly, there’s also the fact that newer iOS versions offer increased compatibility with apps as and when the latter are updated, and therefore help increase your device’s lifespan.

And if your iPhone doesn’t support newer iOS versions, It may finally be time for you to consider an upgrade to the iPhone 14, iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 series.