# Apple to Discontinue iCloud Backup Support for iOS 8 and Earlier: Key Information
Apple has recently revealed a major update that will impact users still employing older iOS versions. As of **December 18, 2024**, iCloud backups will be unavailable for devices operating on **iOS 8 or earlier**. If you have not upgraded your device to at least **iOS 9**, you will lose access to your iCloud backups, resulting in the deletion of any backup data currently stored.
This article will provide all the necessary details regarding this transition, how to upgrade your device, and options available if your device cannot be updated.
## Why Is Apple Phasing Out iCloud Backup for Older iOS Versions?
With advancing technology, it becomes more challenging to sustain support for outdated operating systems. Apple has been systematically discontinuing support for older iOS versions to concentrate on newer, more secure, and feature-enhanced releases. By terminating iCloud backup support for iOS 8 and earlier, Apple can optimize its services and motivate users to switch to more secure and efficient iOS versions.
## What Will Happen After December 18, 2024?
Following **December 18, 2024**, if your device is still using **iOS 5 to iOS 8**, you will be unable to:
– **Generate new iCloud backups**.
– **Access existing iCloud backups**.
Moreover, any backup data in iCloud for devices utilizing these older iOS versions will be **erased**. Therefore, if you want to keep your iCloud backups, it is essential to upgrade your device to **iOS 9 or later** before the deadline.
Regardless, you can still manually back up your device to a **Mac** or **PC** using **iTunes** or **Finder** even after the conclusion of iCloud support.
## How to Upgrade Your Device to iOS 9 or Later
If your device qualifies, upgrading to iOS 9 or later is simple. Here’s how to proceed:
### Eligible Devices for iOS 9:
– **iPhone 4S** or newer
– **iPad 2** or newer
– **iPod touch (5th generation)** or newer
### Steps to Upgrade Your Device:
1. **On Your iPhone or iPad**:
– Navigate to **Settings** > **General** > **Software Update**.
– If an update is available, select **Download and Install**.
2. **Using a Computer**:
– Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer via a USB cable.
– On your computer, launch **Finder** (macOS Catalina or later) or **iTunes** (Windows or older macOS versions).
– Choose your device from the sidebar or top menu.
– Click **Summary** and then **Check for Update**.
– If an update exists, click **Update** or **Download and Update**.
Once the update is complete, you can continue utilizing **iCloud Backup** without any complications.
## What If Your Device Cannot Upgrade to iOS 9?
If your device is too old for an upgrade to iOS 9, or you prefer not to update, you still have the option to back up your data manually using a Mac or PC. Here’s how:
### Back Up Your Device Using Finder (macOS Catalina or Later)
1. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your Mac with a USB cable.
2. Open **Finder** by clicking its icon in the Dock.
3. Select your device in the Finder sidebar.
4. Click on the **General** tab at the top of the Finder window.
5. Choose **Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac**.
– To secure your backup with a password, check the box for **Encrypt local backup**.
6. Click **Back Up Now**.
### Back Up Your Device Using iTunes (Windows or Older macOS Versions)
1. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer via a USB cable.
2. Launch **iTunes** (or **Apple Devices** on newer macOS versions).
3. Click the **Device** button in the top-left corner of the iTunes window.
4. Select **Summary**.
5. Click **Back Up Now** under the **Backups** section.
– To encrypt your backup, select **Encrypt [device] backup**, enter a password, and click **Set Password**.
By implementing these steps, you can guarantee that your data remains securely backed up even if you are unable to use iCloud.
## Updates to iCloud Bookmarks Syncing
In addition to discontinuing iCloud backup support for iOS 8 and earlier, Apple is also implementing changes to **iCloud
