Apple to Delete iCloud Backups Synced from iPhones Based on iOS 8 and Prior

Apple has announced a significant change for users of older devices, confirming that iCloud backups will no longer be available for devices running iOS 8 or earlier, starting December 18. The company’s recent update on its support page outlined that users with devices running these older versions of iOS will be unable to create new iCloud backups. Additionally, any existing backups for these devices will be deleted unless users upgrade to a newer iOS version.

This move aligns with Apple’s ongoing efforts to encourage users to keep their devices up to date with the latest software, which ensures better security, performance, and overall functionality. Although the company has stated that data, apps, and content on affected devices will remain intact, users will need to update to iOS 9 or later to continue using iCloud Backup.

For those users who are unable or unwilling to update their devices, Apple has provided an alternative solution—manual backups. By using Finder on macOS or Apple Devices/iTunes on Windows, users can still back up their data manually. Apple strongly recommends this option for anyone with a device that cannot update to iOS 9 or higher.

How to Manually Backup with Finder in macOS

For Mac users running macOS Catalina or later, the manual backup process is simple. Here’s how:

1. Ensure that your Mac is running macOS Catalina or a newer version.
2. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your Mac using a USB cable.
3. Open Finder by clicking its icon in the Dock.
4. In the Finder window, select your device from the list in the sidebar.
5. At the top of the Finder window, click on General.
6. Under the “Backups” section, select “Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.”
7. If you want to encrypt your backup data and protect it with a password, check the box next to “Encrypt local backup”.
8. Finally, click “Back Up Now” to start the manual backup process.

By following these steps, users can ensure that all their important data is safely stored, even if their device is unable to receive the latest iOS updates.

How to Manually Backup with Apple Devices or iTunes on Windows

For users with Windows PCs, the process is slightly different, but still straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open Apple Devices (for Windows 10 and 11 users) or iTunes (for older Windows versions).
3. Once the program is open, click on the Device button.
4. From the summary page, scroll down to the Backups section.
5. Click on Back Up Now to start the manual backup process.
6. If you want to encrypt your backup for added security, check the box that says “Encrypt [device] backup”, enter a password, and click Set Password.

This manual backup option is crucial for users who may not be able to update their devices due to compatibility issues or other reasons. Apple encourages everyone to back up their devices regularly, as it offers an extra layer of security and ensures that data can be restored if anything goes wrong with the device.

Why Is Apple Making This Change?

Apple’s decision to stop supporting iCloud backups for devices running iOS 8 and earlier is part of its larger strategy to phase out older software versions. By encouraging users to update their devices, Apple aims to ensure that more people are using the latest, most secure software versions, which also benefit from new features and performance improvements.

Devices that can’t be updated to iOS 9 or later may be suffering from hardware limitations, so encouraging users to back up their data manually ensures that they don’t lose valuable information, even if they can’t access iCloud services.

While it might be inconvenient for some, the change also highlights Apple’s dedication to providing an up-to-date, secure experience for its users. For those who are unable to update, manual backups will remain an essential tool to preserve data.

In conclusion, while the removal of iCloud backups for older devices is a significant change, Apple is providing the necessary tools for users to continue safeguarding their data through alternative backup methods. Users are advised to either upgrade their devices or back up manually to avoid losing any valuable information before the December 18 deadline.