If you have an old iPhone or iPad, you will no longer be able to use this iCloud feature.

For owners of older Apple devices, such as iPhones or iPads, it may be the right time to consider an upgrade. Starting December 18, the minimum requirement to use iCloud backups will be iOS 9 or later, as support for iOS 8 and earlier versions has ended. This notice was communicated to Apple users in November. Although iCloud support is no longer available for devices running iOS 8 or earlier, it is still possible to perform manual backups on a Mac or Windows PC.

If your device is currently on iOS 8 but can be updated to a newer version, you will have the ability to use iCloud backups again. The latest version of iOS is 18.2, which adds various features and improvements to optimize the user experience. This update is compatible with all iPhones released since the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, which came to market in 2018. As for the iPad, the current version of iPadOS is also 18.2, and it is compatible with any model starting from the 7th generation iPad, introduced in 2019.

With the arrival of iOS 9, Apple incorporated CloudKit as the foundation for iCloud backups, significantly improving developers' ability to manage data and user interactions within their applications. CloudKit acts as a cloud-based backend service, facilitating application integration with iCloud through a robust framework for data management and user authentication.

One of the standout features of CloudKit is its ability to securely store application data in iCloud, allowing users to access their information seamlessly from multiple devices. Developers can take advantage of different storage options, including public and private databases, to control visibility and access rights to data. This flexibility ensures that sensitive user information is protected while enabling collaboration in applications that require data sharing.

Furthermore, CloudKit simplifies the user authentication process through iCloud accounts, minimizing complications for users. By utilizing existing Apple ID credentials, developers can streamline the use of their applications, preventing users from having to create new accounts or remember additional passwords.

If you own a recent iPhone or iPad, you don’t need to worry about these changes. However, if you have an Apple device that will be affected by this transition, it might be a good time to consider the best available options for iPhones and iPads in the market.