Apple has notified users that older iPhone and iPad models will no longer receive support for iCloud data backup, MacRumors reports.

The changes will take effect on December 18, 2024. After this date, owners of Apple devices running iOS 5 to 8 will no longer be able to back up their apps and data to iCloud. Moreover, the company intends to delete all existing backups from iCloud without the ability to restore them.

Apple's official website states that users will still be able to back up their devices using the iTunes applications on Windows or macOS, Apple Devices, and Finder. 

Another option is to update the device and install iOS 9, if the device supports this software. Thus, the restrictions include iPhone 4 and earlier models, for which the iOS 9 update is not available.

Apple has not disclosed the reasons for the new backup policy. However, it is likely that the refusal to provide support for older devices is due to the transition to the new CloudKit tool, which requires iOS 9 or later.