iCloud will still work on iOS 11 and related releases
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A reliable source says internal documents reference the end of Apple Services support, except iCloud, for iOS 11, macOS High Sierra, and others starting in May.
Apple released iOS 11, macOS High Sierra, watchOS 4, and tvOS 11 in 2017. These operating systems haven't been in use for years, and any device still running them has the option of upgrading.
According to an accurate leaker named "Fudge," or @StellaFudge on Twitter, shared that select operating systems from 2017 would not be able to access Apple services with the exception of iCloud starting in early May. Those still running these operating systems will likely be prompted to update.
The affected operating systems include:
- iOS 11 to iOS 11.2.6
- macOS High Sierra 10.13 to macOS 10.13.3
- watchOS 4 to watchOS 4.2.3
- tvOS 11 to tvOS 11.2.6
Each of these operating systems originated in 2017 and most of the compatible devices should be able to update at least to the next OS version. For example, every iPhone that supports iOS 11 also supports iOS 12.
No reason was provided for the cutoff of Apple services. Security updates are provided for iOS 15, macOS Monterey, and macOS Big Sur from time to time, but not earlier.
As of early May, access to Apple services, with the exception of iCloud, will stop working on devices running:
- iOS 11-11.2.6
- macOS 10.13-10.13.3
- watchOS 4-4.2.3
- tvOS 11-11.2.6
You'll likely receive notification prompting you to update— Stella - Fudge (@StellaFudge) April 5, 2023
Apple services include Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and more. Since iCloud is excluded from this change, it isn't clear how this will affect services like Mail or iMessage sync.
AppleInsider reached out to Fudge about the information but didn't gain much more detail. According to Fudge, this is sourced from an internal document intended for advisors.
Users are urged to update to the most recent version of iOS or other operating systems available on their product. For those still running an iPhone 7 or earlier, it may be time for an upgrade.
