If you’re still using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch running iOS 8 or earlier, Apple has an important update that may affect your data. Starting December 18, 2024, iCloud backups will no longer be supported for these devices. After this date, any backups stored in iCloud will be deleted, and you won’t be able to create new backups unless you update to iOS 9 or later.

This change means that while your apps, files, and settings will remain on your device, the option to restore them via iCloud will disappear. Apple is making this move to align with its minimum software requirements for iCloud services, which now takes precedence over new versions of iOS.

To avoid losing your iCloud backup, Apple is urging users to take action. If your device supports iOS 9 or later, the simplest solution is to update your software. Compatible devices include the iPhone 4S or newer, iPad 2 or newer, and iPod Touch (5th generation or newer). Updating is straightforward: You can do it directly from your device’s Settings or by connecting to a computer using iTunes or Finder.

However, if your device can’t run iOS 9, you still have options. You can manually back up your data on a computer using a USB cable and software like iTunes (on Windows or older Mac) or Finder (on macOS Catalina or later). These manual backups ensure that your data remains safe even without iCloud. Apple also allows you to encrypt these backups with a password for added security.

For some users, this change may seem like a hassle, but it’s part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to focus attention on the new system. By phasing out support for older software, the company can improve the security and reliability of its services.

If you’re holding onto an old device, now is the time to take action. Updating your software or creating a manual backup will keep your data safe and give you peace of mind. December 18th is just around the corner, so don’t wait too long to make changes. Whether through an update or a manual backup, taking these steps will ensure that you won’t lose access to your important files and settings.