Apple will reportedly discontinue services on gadgets running older software

Premium smartphone manufacturer Apple will reportedly start discontinuing online services for devices that were running older versions of software next month.

The older software across the Apple ecosystem is said to be impacted, which includes some versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS. A report by MacRumors said that Apple services for iCloud will not be impacted.

A tweet by Stella Fudge, who is well-known in the industry for credible leaks, said that the process is likely to start in early May. However, users who are running old versions on their devices may get a notification to update their software.


Apple services on software versions that will discontinue are:
iOS 11 - iOS 11.2.6
macOS 10.13 - macOS 10.13.3
watchOS 4 - watchOS 4.2.3
tvOS 11 - tvOS 11.2.6

"As of early May, access to Apple services, with the exception of iCloud, will stop working on devices running: -- iOS 11-11.2.6, macOS 10.13-10.13.3, watchOS 4-4.2.3, and tvOS 11-11.2.6. You'll likely receive a notification prompting you to update," she tweeted.


The MacRumors report cited an internal Apple document, which said that affected users might receive a push notification prompting them to update their device to a newer software version.

"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," the company said in a support document published last month, which was obtained by MacRumors.

Further, the report said that the tech giant did not clarify why most of its services will stop working with these older software versions, which were released between late 2017 and early 2018, but the change will only affect a small percentage of users.

Meanwhile, Apple has released its new iOS 16.4 update which includes new features such as a new set of emojis, web push notifications, voice isolation for cellular calls, and much 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 didn't hear back.