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Are iCloud backups from old versions of iOS compatible with versions 15 or 16?

I'm in the process of replacing an old iPad first generation running iOS 5.1.1. My question is will its iCloud backup be compatible with a more modern device? In this case, a device running iOS 15 or 16?


The most important backed up data is the Camera Roll, Podcasts and content on iBooks.

iPad 3G

Posted on Jan 1, 2023 12:16 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 1, 2023 12:25 AM

1. Yes. You can restore a backup made with an earlier iOS version to a device running a newer iOS version without any issues.


2. Yes. You should be able to. Note that restoring the backup will not put iOS 11.4 back on your device. It will keep the iOS version it has.


3. It depends. If you are using iCloud Photo Library they are not part of the backup. If you are not using iCloud Photo Library, then just make sure Photo Library is turned on for the backup at: Settings->Account(top of Settings)->iCloud->Manage Storage->Backups->Your iPhone->Photo Library, and they will then be included in the backup.


Details here:

What does iCloud back up? - Apple Support

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1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 1, 2023 12:25 AM in response to CafuNo2

1. Yes. You can restore a backup made with an earlier iOS version to a device running a newer iOS version without any issues.


2. Yes. You should be able to. Note that restoring the backup will not put iOS 11.4 back on your device. It will keep the iOS version it has.


3. It depends. If you are using iCloud Photo Library they are not part of the backup. If you are not using iCloud Photo Library, then just make sure Photo Library is turned on for the backup at: Settings->Account(top of Settings)->iCloud->Manage Storage->Backups->Your iPhone->Photo Library, and they will then be included in the backup.


Details here:

What does iCloud back up? - Apple Support

Less

Are iCloud backups from old versions of iOS compatible with versions 15 or 16?

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