Apple will soon discontinue iCloud backups for devices running iOS 8 and earlier versions. Starting December 18, 2024, devices running these older operating systems will no longer be able to create iCloud backups, and any existing backups will be deleted.
This change aims to align iCloud backup support with Apple’s minimum software requirements. Users are encouraged to update their devices to iOS 9 or later to continue using iCloud backups.
For those who cannot or choose not to update, manual backups can still be performed using a Mac or PC. Devices can be backed up via Finder on Macs running macOS Catalina or later, or through the Apple Devices or iTunes apps on PCs or older Macs.
This change primarily affects users who have older iPhones or iPads that are still running outdated software. While iOS 8 is now a decade old, some users may still have devices running this older operating system. It’s crucial for these users to update their devices or create manual backups to avoid losing their data.
