Update: iPhone 5 Users Apply This iOS Update Today Or Lose WiFi, Internet And GPS Access
Anyone who owns an iPhone 5 is being advised by Apple to apply the latest iOS update available to their handset, or else lose access to several critical features and services. Starting on November 3, iPhone 5 owners who have not applied the update will not be able to use the App Store or iCloud, and will lose various other functions.
These restrictions are not heavy-handed punishments by Apple. Instead, they have to due to a "GPS time rollover issue that began affecting GPS-enabled products from other manufacturers on April 6, 2019." Certain Apple devices are affected as well, though not until just before 12:00 am UTC on November 3, 2019.
"Starting just before 12:00 am UTC on November 3, 2019, iPhone 5 will require an iOS update to maintain accurate GPS location and to continue to use functions that rely on correct date and time including App Store, iCloud, email, and web browsing," Apple states in a support document.
Apple addressed the issue in July when it rolled out iOS 10.3.4 to older devices like the iPhone 5. For even older devices like the iPhone 4s, an iOS 9.3.6 update resolves the issue.
How To Update iOS On Apple iPhone Devices
To check which version of iOS is on your iPhone 5 (or any iPhone handset or iPad tablet), navigate to Settings > General and click on About. The number next to Software Version is the iOS build currently installed on your iPhone or iPad.
If you own an iPhone 5, that number should read 10.3.4. If not, you will need to fetch and apply iOS 10.3.4 in order to fully use your handset on and after November 3. You can do this by going to Settings > General and tapping Software Update.
"If the update to iPhone 5 is not completed by November 3, 2019, you will be required to back up and restore using a Mac or PC in order to update because over-the-air software updates and iCloud Backup will not work," Apple warns.
What about iOS 13? Apple's latest iOS build supports iPhone devices dating back to the iPhone 6 and iPhone SE, along with the 7th generation iPod touch. Apple's iPhone 5 and earlier handsets are not supported by iOS 13.
Updated 11/3/2019
Article updated to reflect that today is the last day to download the update from Apple for affected devices.
Updated 11/3/2019
Article updated to reflect that today is the last day to download the update from Apple for affected devices.
