iPhone users warned millions of devices will stop working properly next month

08 April 2023 , 15:15

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iPhone users have been warned about a new update later this year (Image: Getty Images)

iPhone users are being urged to update their devices to the latest iOS software, or risk not being able to use their phones in the future.

That's because an older version of iOS is set to lose some must-have features including access Maps, for making their way around their town or country, Siri, to access their phone using audio, the App Store, for vital applications and more.

The upcoming change appears to be focusing on iPhones still using iOS 11 to iOS 11.2.6 with owners no longer being able to use critical software.

Devices including the iPhone 5 and earlier will be affected but even those with an iPhone 7 in their pocket could be hit by the change if haven't updated their system software.

Apple users might not be able to use key features if they don't update their phone (Photothek via Getty Images)

The change was reported by Apple tipster @StellaFudge. In a tweet seen by millions she said: "As of early May, access to Apple services, with the exception of iCloud, will stop working on devices running: iOS 11-11.2.6[...] you'll likely receive notification prompting you to update."

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If you don't receive a notification telling you to update your iPhone, you can easily update the system software yourself using your device's Settings app.

Just head to the iPhone's Home Screen then tap the Settings app icon, and go to General > Software Update.

Follow the instructions on-screen to update your iPhone—just make sure you've plugged in your charger and connected to Wi-Fi.

The iPhone 7 doesn't support the latest version of iOS 16, but it is possible to update it to iOS 15, so you can benefit from some new security features and updates.

Although the news about iOS 11 has yet to be confirmed by Apple, the US technology giant has recently posted an update on its support pages which could back up these claims.

"Some older software versions will no longer support Apple Services like the App Store, Siri, and Maps. Update your software to the latest available version to continue using these services," the company said.

Sean McPolin