Apple warns iPhone 5 users to update asap: Here's why
What's the story
If you're still holding on to that years' old iPhone 5, better check the software version the phone is running. Apple has issued a warning asking all iPhone 5 owners to update their phones to the latest supported iOS and noted that if the device doesn't get updated in time, it will lose key features required to stay online. Here's all about it.
Need
iPhone 5 suffers from a weird GPS issue
While most of us have moved on from iPhone 5, some are still using the dated device. For this particular group, Apple is issuing full-screen alerts to update to iOS 10.3.4 before November 3. It says that the update fixes a GPS issue, which affects the phone's ability to show the correct location, date, time and the features relying on it.
Impact
The bug affects email, web browsing, iCloud, and more
In order to work, the GPS system of the iPhone 5 keeps a track of date and time by counting the number of weeks and storing them as 10-bit figures. However, around every 20 years, the stored figure goes back to zero, affecting the date and time. And, when that happens, key date/time-dependent features, like email, web-browsing, iCloud, and App Store, also go haywire.
Details
Most recent roll-over happened on April 6
As per Apple, the most recent GPS rollover happened on April 6, affecting iPhone 5 and older models. Newer devices have been built to handle this change, but these older models have to be fixed with this software patch, and that too before November 3. If failed, all online features, including iCloud backup, won't work and you'd have to backup and restore using PC.
Update
How to update the devices
To initiate the update, open the Settings app of your iPhone/iPad and head over to General > Update. The patch will show up as iOS 10.3.4 for iPhone 5 and fourth-generation iPad while those using the iPhone 4S, first-generation iPad Mini, iPad 2, and third-generation iPad will see it as iOS 9.3.6. Meanwhile, Wi-Fi-only iPads, iPod Touch won't be affected by the issue.