Apr 23, 2024 | Updated: 11:35 AM EDT
Apr 12, 2017 08:46 AM EDT
Apple would soon release the iOS 10.3.2 update, but it would not reach older iPhone, specifically the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5C. The move would affect about 43.7 million 32-bit iPhone users that run on iOS 10. It means the owners of these devices are permanently stuck on the iOS 10.3.1 patch.
Zero Support For Older iPhones
Phone Arena points out that the Cupertino-based tech giant is mum about the iOS 10.3.2 update excluding older phones. The website says it is unlikely that Apple would see the 43.7 million gadgets all the way to iOS 11. It also opens the possibility that Apple would no longer provide device support in the middle of the iOS cycle in the future.
It is the first time that Apple has skipped 32-bit gadgets for previous iOS release, whether in beta or final form. The only exception was the patch was a dedicated bug fix for a specific device that is not the case for the iOS 10.3.2 updated, Phone Arena stresses.
According to an estimate by BMO Capital Markets, there are 715 million total iPhone installed base as of the end of 2016. The combined share of the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5C is 6.11 percent, April 10 statistics from Mixpanel state. Using the two estimates yield a similar number of 43.7 million cited by Phone Arena as being deprived of the upcoming iOS 10.3.2 update.
Only For 64-Bit iOS Devices
Forbes explains that the iOS 10.3.2 update would deliver support only for 64-bit iOS gadgets. It would mean all other iOS 10-compatible devices such as the iPad Mini 2, iPod Touch 6th generation and iPhone 5S would still receive the patch.
Gottabemobile reports that Apple has confirmed that there is an iOS 10.3.2 update for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, but the patch is still in the testing stage of its release in the later part of 2017.
