Apple is set to delete the iCloud backup data for these iPhone users, here's why

Apple iCloud

Cupertino-based tech giant Apple has issued an important reminder for users running older iOS versions to update their iPhones to the latest software to avoid losing access to their iCloud backup. The company has posted a new document on its support page that starting December 18, 2024, iCloud backups will require iOS 9 or higher iOS versions to operate properly.

Apple’s December deadline for iCloud backups: Key details

The company goes on to explain that if any user is still running iOS 5 to iOS 8 after December 18, they won’t be able to create new backups or access existing backups on iCloud. While the content on these devices will remain intact, failing to upgrade will result in the loss of important cloud-stored data such as photos, documents, and app settings.

Further, according to a recent report by MacRumors, Apple has also emailed some of its users that existing iCloud backups for iPhones and iPads running on iOS 8 or earlier versions will no longer be supported and will be deleted as well post-December 18. This means that users of older devices, need to act promptly to ensure uninterrupted access to iCloud services.

The move comes as a part of Apple's latest software requirements that list iOS 10 as the minimum needed to use certain iCloud features, such as iCloud Drive and iCloud Photos. Therefore, users running iOS 5 to iOS 8 are advised to update iPhones to the latest operating system. Alternatively, they can also manually backup their data via a Mac or PC.