Skip to main content

Apple tells iPhone 5 owners to update software or face the consequences

We’re not sure how many people still use an iPhone 5, but the fact that Apple feels compelled to send alerts direct to owners of the aging handset imploring them to perform a software update suggests a good number of folks are still managing to squeeze some use out of it.

So, why exactly is Apple warning iPhone 5 owners to update the operating system to version 10.3.4 before November 3? Because if they don’t, they’ll no longer be able to browse the web, explore the App Store, send email, access iCloud, or use other features that rely on the correct time and date.

Recommended Videos

The matter stems from a GPS time rollover issue that began affecting the functionality of various GPS-enabled tech products in April 2019.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

If you have version 5 of the iPhone and forget to perform the update, all is not lost. In such a case, you’ll need to back up and restore your phone using a Mac or PC in order to get the update done, as over-the-air software updates and iCloud back-ups will no longer work.

Also, anyone with an iPhone 4S, as well as older versions of the iPad up to the fourth generation, should also make sure they have the latest available software on their device. However, for these folks, failure to act will result in consequences somewhat less severe than those affecting the Phone 5, as it will only knock out its GPS functionality.

To ensure you have the latest available software for your Apple device, tap on Settings, and then on Software Update. You’ll then see a message saying either that “your software is up to date,” or that a download is available.

Apple launched the iPhone 5 in 2012, five years after the original iPhone landed. The physical design of the iPhone 5 marked a major change from previous iterations as it featured a larger, 4-inch display.

In the days when Apple used to announce sales figures of its phones, the company said the iPhone 5 racked up 2 million pre-orders in the first 24 hours, and 5 million in its first weekend. The device is estimated to have sold in the region of 70 million units before being replaced by the iPhone 5S in 2013.

If you’re in the market for a new handset but want to keep your costs down, check out Digital Trends’ pick of the best budget phones currently available. Alternatively, these old flagship phones are still excellent devices and can be found for a decent price on the used market.

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
Why AppleCare+ is essential for your iPhone, even as a subscription
A person holding the Apple iPhone 15 Plus.

Have you ever broken your iPhone? Over the past decade of being an iPhone user, I’ve broken two screens and had one iPhone stolen while abroad. Thankfully, one service came to the rescue in all of those cases: AppleCare+.

The latest reporting from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg suggests that Apple is about to move from a prepaid model to a subscription-only model for its protection plan. Naturally, as subscriptions have become prevalent in our daily lives, and people have suffered from subscription fatigue, some people are concerned about another subscription.

Read more
Phone cameras are so good, they’ve finally replaced my camera for work
Close up of the camera on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro.

For almost two decades, I’ve carried more than twenty pounds of electronics in my backpack for the slightest chance of needing to capture content for my professional life. My backpack usually contained my MacBook, a full-frame camera with a big lens, a tripod, and an assortment of video and audio gear that I always deemed essential.

As it turns out, over the past two years, many of these items were rendered obsolete, as many companies launched new products that were quickly able to replace technology that I previously considered irreplaceable.

Read more
iPhone 7 owners are getting $200 in class action lawsuit, and here’s how you can track yours
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

Settlement payout from the iPhone 7 class action lawsuit against Apple are starting to roll out. Those who participated in the class action lawsuit have started to receive payments, with amounts varying based on whether you spent any money on repairing the iPhone 7 or the iPhone 7 Plus.

Some of the co-applicants in the lawsuit have started to receive around $200 as part payment from the $35 million settlement, 9to5Mac reported. While the payout is less than the maximum of $350 initially approved by the court, it should still feel satisfactory to the appellants.

Read more