cannot sign into icloud with ipod 6th gen

Ok I have an ipod 6th generation that I 've used as mainlya back up password vault or when I don't have my iPhone around and need to access to my passwords. I can sign in into itune ( no issue) but when I try to log into icloud, I get the error message that iOS needs to be updated . Very well , I check for software update ..and I am told software is up to date (12.5.7).

Disclamer: I understand this is old tec with old iOS and I am not asking nor expecting to have iOS17 on my iPod. However , why is it precluded to log in into Icloud? This has been going on for a few months now . Prior this it was logged in as well backing up my Ipod on my icloud.

Any help/infos would be appreciated.