With the need to continually update software in order to mitigate security risks and remediate flaws, there is a strong rumour that Apple will cut off access to iCloud on iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS devices running a range of operating systems.
The software versions that won’t be supported are believed to be:
- iOS 11-11.2.6
- macOS 10.13-10.13.3
- watchOS 4-4.2.3
- tvOS 11-11.2.6
iCloud includes a range of services including FaceTime, Message, Siri, Maps, Find My, Family Sharing, Apple Pay, Apple Books, app stores, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Apple TV+. There’s no indication of which services will impacted if the rumour is true.
And while older versions of Apple software aren’t mentioned, it’s impossible to speculate if they will be affected as well. However, given the specificity of the leak that comes originally from Twitter user @StellaFudge, who has a track record for accuracy, it would reasonable to expect the versions noted above are the only ones affected.
The best way to ensure your Apple devices are not likely to be affected is to keep them updated. As well as ensuring your devices are protected with the latest security fixes, staying up to date is the best way to ensure more significant updates, such as when new operating systems are released, are not such a big shock.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.