Apple is encouraging iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 users to update their devices before Nov. 3 because both devices will lose a few key functionalities.
Strange Tech Phenomenon
Although Apple has already launched its iPhone 11 series, there are still Apple fans who haven't upgraded yet to any of the more recent launches of the company and are still stuck using the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S, which were launched in 2012 and 2011, respectively.
According to reports, iPhone 4S and 5 users have to update their devices, or else they will lose access to their email accounts, App Store, GPS, and other web services.
It is due to a strange tech phenomenon which is known as the GPS Rollover, wherein the GPS technology counter that keeps track of time rolls over, and that happens approximately once every 20 years.
Specifically, the system can only reach a maximum of 1024 weeks, which is around 19.7 years.
Updating your Device
Based on a report by Digital Trends, Apple iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 users should update their devices to iOS 10.3.4 by Nov. 3, or else they wouldn't be able to access or sync anything that relies on GPS for the correct time and date.
If you forget to update your device or you were unable to do so, all is not lost—but you do need to back up your files and data and restore them to a computer if you wish to move on to newer software.
Besides these smartphones, Apple is also encouraging iPad owners who have fourth-generation devices as they are also expected to be affected by the tech phenomenon.
If you have an iPhone 5, you can check your device and ensure you have the latest update. Do this by launching the "Settings" app on your phone, then tapping on "General," "About," and then check the number beside the "Software Version."
GPS-enabled Tech Issues
Even if you still have until Nov. 3, several GPS-enabled devices and tech products are already having problems with the products since April this year, and Apple has already launched an iOS update for older iPhones and iPads back in July to help deal with possible issues.
According to Engadget, there are only 9% of Apple users that are using an iOS software that's earlier than iOS 12 as of Oct.15, and there are even fewer when you exclude Apple users who are using newer iPhones and iPads, so there won't be too many consumers that will be affected.
