Apple has issued a short notice to users of older iPhones and iPads that were launched in 2012 or earlier. The company warned, via a blog post, that several iPhone models would stop functioning correctly come 3rd November. According to the warning, the company says users of the affected iPhones and iPads should update to the newest version of iOS available.
The devices in question include the iPad 4s, iPad mini (1st generation), iPad 2, iPad (3rd generation), iPhone 5 and iPad (4th generation). The said updates will ensure that the mentioned devices maintain an accurate GPS location.
For the iPhone 5, the update will be needed to maintain accurate GPS location as well as to continue using other functions that rely on correct date and time including App Store, iCloud, email, and web browsing.
Well, this isn’t in Apple’s control; instead, it is due to a unique event termed as GPS Rollover. Other manufacturers with GPS enabled products have been hit with the issue, as well since April this year. But now, Apple’s older products are about to get a fair share of the GPS time rollover issue.
To check your software version head over to your Settings app, click on General, then tap About. You will be shown a number next to Software Version. For iPhone 5 and the 4th generation iPad(with Wi-Fi + Cellular), the updated software version is iOS 10.3.4.
For the remaining devices – the iPad 4s, iPad mini (1st generation) with Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad 2(Wi-Fi + Cellular (CDMA models only)), and the 3rd generation iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular, the updated software version is iOS 9.3.6.
All of these devices should be updated by 12.00 am UTC (03.00 am GMT+3) on 3rd November, according to the company.
WIFI only models for the iPod touch or iPad are not affected by this issue. In addition to that, newer iOS devices are also not affected.