Apple will stop supporting its iCloud services for Apple devices running iOS 8 or older.

Starting December 18, 2024, users with an iOS 8 device or older will no longer be able to back up their iPhones or iPads to iCloud, Mac Rumors reports. Apple notes on its support page that users can still back up their devices manually on a Mac or Windows PC.

iOS 8 or older

Users with a device running iOS 5 to 8 will no longer be able to backup to iCloud starting December 18, 2024. Additionally, Apple will also delete any existing iCloud backups from these devices. Some Apple users received this via email from Apple. According to Apple, this is done to better comply with published minimum software requirements.

Manually

Apple explains on its support page how users with iOS 8 or older can still create a backup. This can be done by backing up via iTunes, Apple devices (Windows 10 and 11), and Finder (macOS Catalina and newer), or simply by updating to iOS 9 if your device allows it.

Apple is also currently under legal pressure with its iCloud services. According to the British Consumer Protection Agency, Apple would tie its customers to iCloud services and thus undermine competition. This means Apple is threatened with an antitrust lawsuit worth $3 billion.