Technology giant Apple is ready to bin updates and support on older iPhones, iPads and laptops that must-have favourites for millions of customers.
The US company will stop aiding customers with improving software, security and technical queries for the iPhone 4 and Macbook Air laptop 2010 models, according to reports.
The products will move to the firm’s obsolete list even though the gadgets are in daily use all over the world.
Apple rules any products five or more years old as obsolete and withdraws technical support automatically.
Cut-off date announced
Industry experts have published the cut-off date for support for the iPhone 4 as October 31, 2017.
The last operating system update for the smartphone is iOS 7.1.2.
No details are available about the Macbook as yet, although the company has hinted the 13-inch Air model from 2010 is about to join the iPhone 4 on the scrapheap.
““Owners of iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Mac products may obtain service and parts from Apple or Apple service providers for five years after the product is no longer manufactured—or longer where required by law,” said an Apple spokesman.
Can I still use my iPhone after October 31, 2016?
Yes – although support has been withdrawn and security and operating system updates will halt, the phones will still work as normal
Will hackers be able to get into my phone?
Because any security flaws will not be updated by Apple, the risk of hackers exploiting the iPhone 4 increases
What about my contacts and data?
If you want to transfer to a new phone, back up the data to iCloud through iTunes and restore the information to the new phone.
Updating iPhone 4 to iOS 7.1.2
If you have to update your iPhone 4 to the latest iOS but lack the memory space, backup your contacts and data to iCloud or a computer.
Set the ‘restore factory default’ option on the phone and then update the iOS
When the update has completed, restore your contacts and data to the phone.
This work around is useful if you have an iPhone with an on-board memory that it is too small for the large iOS updates for newer iPhones.
Will spares be available for broken iPhone 4?
Once stock runs out, Apple will stop supplying spares.
See a full list of Apple products and technical support information
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