A recent leak hints that Apple could soon restrict access to its online services, such as iMessage and FaceTime, on older devices. Users running outdated software versions on their iPhones, Apple Watches, Macs, or Apple TVs might need to consider upgrading their devices to avoid losing access to these services.
Leaker StellaFudge claims that by early May, devices running iOS 11.2.6 or earlier, watchOS 4.2.3 or earlier, macOS 10.13.3 or earlier, or tvOS 11.2.6 or earlier may face restrictions to various Apple services. With iCloud being the only exception, users may lose access to nearly all Apple services, including Maps, iMessage, and FaceTime.
If this leak turns out to be accurate, Apple is expected to send out warning messages urging affected users to update their devices wherever possible. iOS 11, watchOS 4, and tvOS 11 users should be able to perform updates, since devices compatible with those operating systems are also capable of running newer versions. However, certain Macs launched between 2009 and 2011 cannot be upgraded beyond macOS 10.13 (High Sierra).
This information emerged after a recent update posted on Apple's official support website, which provides guidance on what to do if you encounter a notification informing you that your device's software version no longer supports Apple services.
While StellaFudge has a track record of accurately leaking Apple-related information, it is always recommended to approach such news with caution. Regardless of whether Apple decides to restrict access to services on older devices or not, upgrading from an iPhone running iOS 11 or an older version may prove beneficial due to improved security and additional features.
Older software versions face a higher risk of vulnerabilities as they become more widely available, making them potentially attractive targets for hackers. Continuously using outdated and unsupported software increases the chances of your device being exploited by cybercriminals.
This same reasoning applies to Google, which enforces compatibility restrictions on newly-listed apps in the Play Store. For instance, newly developed smartphone apps must be compatible with Android 12 (or Android 11 for WearOS) to be approved for inclusion in Google's official app store. It is expected that Android 14 will further tighten restrictions, making it significantly more challenging to unofficially sideload apps built on Android 5 or earlier versions.
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