Hello,
What is the official stance on users who still have iOS5+ on their apple devices today? Meaning, does Apple "official" claim to support users with this older OS?
I tried checking the Apple.com site for info...but didn't come up with anything.
Thanks,
Chi
iPod touch
I'm not sure what you consider an "official stance" or what you would be thinking of in terms of support. Apple most certainly will provide technical support for devices that run iOS 5, but it's unlikely that Apple will release any further updates to iOS 5, nor can it be guaranteed that any new applications or application versions will work on iOS 5.
Perhaps you can clarify what information you are seeking?
Regards.
Yes, provided the hardware is still supported, then the last iOS version running on that software is supported. But it will not be updated if it is the last version compatible with the hardware.
If iOS 5.x.x is the last version of iOS that will run on your particular iPod Touch, then it is still supported.
hmm...this "kinda" helped. Ok, let me rephrase like this then - outlining my specific problem:
Scenario:
1. I develop software for iOS and distribute to my customers. Latest version has been tested and working on an iPad 2 running 5.xx and iPod touch 4, running 5.xx.
2. Customer does not wish to upgrade the OS for misc reasons. For example: they use enterprise device management software to distribute apps thru their own channels. For this reason, the management software doesn't support iOS6 or higher.
Now - let's say this customer has an apple iOS specific problem, not related to the version running on it.
Will Apple refuse to support them?
Not until iOS 5.x.x becomes obsolete. I believe for Apple that is when there have been three later versions released. This would mean iOS 5 will become unsupported upon the release of iOS 8. Although this model describes OS X, I'm not positive it is true for iOS which has a faster upgrade time.
In any event I'm not really sure what you mean by "support" for an iOS version. Once a version is supplanted Apple will no longer update the older version. Beyond that I don't really know what would be considered "support."
Eventually, management needs to move forward to maintain compatibility with newer and newer software.
Ok to sum if up then:
1. Usually, but not confirmed, an os becomes obsolete after 3 later versions are released. That would mean when ios8 is out, then 5 is obsolete.
2. However, this is based on the Mac OS model. Unconfirmed, but probable.
Add questions and responses:
Support definition: I meant in terms of calling someone to troubleshoot a problem. For example, I have a Mac that is 15 years old running some os I can't remember. If I call for help, they will say "dude, we don't support that product anymore"
In regards to your response, my original mission was to find something on the apple.com that states an official policy like this. I can't find anything. Nor does it seem like an apple rep can confirm.
Also after reading this article, I suspect it's just not apples policy to release an end of life roadmap for iOS.
Support definition: I meant in terms of calling someone to troubleshoot a problem. For example, I have a Mac that is 15 years old running some os I can't remember. If I call for help, they will say "dude, we don't support that product anymore"
Yes, they will say that. For example, you cannot get support for OS X 10.4.x or earlier any longer. Furthermore, since telephone support costs about $90 an hour I doubt you'd be calling for help.
TidBITS- Apple’s Planned Obsolescence Schedule
Apple continues security updates even for versions of OS X treated as obsolete until such time as Apple declares a product is at end of life. I think Apple has no formal policy because time frames between upgrades are getting shorter and shorter.
I am just puzzled as to what sort of support you would expect to need for an older version of iOS. I find it odd that businesses are not planning for this given our rapidly changing technology (this is not pointed at your company, but at most companies.)
ios5
