Apple will require iOS 9 and later for iCloud backups starting December 18

Starting December 18, 2024, device backups will require iOS 9 or later. This measure is intended to come closer to our published minimum software requirements. Until this date, you will be able to use the service normally. After that, your save data will be deleted unless you update to iOS 9 or later. If your device is already running updated software, no action is required. After December 18, 2024, if you have devices with iOS 5 to iOS 8:

– You will not be able to create new backups for these devices.
– Your existing backups of these devices will be inaccessible.

All apps, data, and content from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch stay on your device. To continue using iCloud backup, update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 9 or later. You can also manually back up your device to a Mac or PC with iTunes or Finder. As a reminder, iCloud was introduced in iOS 5, which only affects iPhone 3GS and 4, iPod Touch 3rd generation and 4th generation, and the original iPad.