Apple stops supporting 32-bit apps on iOS

In the beta version of iOS 10.3, Apple shows pop-ups for apps that do not have 64-bit support. The popups indicate that the apps will not work on future versions of iOS. This suggests that devices with a 32-bit soc will no longer receive updates soon.

According to AppleInsider, the pop-up further indicates that the developers of the app should adjust it to improve compatibility. Presumably from that moment on, all existing apps that only have a 32-bit version will be removed from the store. Apple started showing warnings from iOS 9 that 32-bit apps could slow down their device, but the apps still worked properly. Beginning in 2015, Apple requires developers to require apps to have 64-bit support in order for new apps to appear in the App Store or to release updates to existing apps.

It’s not clear whether apps that have both 32-bit and 64-bit support will also stop working, but these apps will likely continue to exist for the time being. However, it may be an indication that Apple will soon be phasing out 32-bit devices. The first iPhone with a 64-bit soc is the 5s. Older devices, such as the iPhone 5, 5c and the fourth-generation iPad, cannot run 64-bit applications and will therefore probably no longer have access to newer apps and updates.

It is not known when the update will be implemented, but since the change may have greater impact on a number of devices, there is a good chance that it will be a major update, such as the one to iOS 11. If Apple makes this update in line with previous updates will be released in September. iOS 10 came out last September, which ended support for the iPhone 5’s predecessor, the 4S.