---
title: "Apple to End Support for 32-Bit Apps; iPhone 5 and Earlier Models Will No Longer Receive Updates"
locale: "en"
language: "en-HK"
published: "2017-06-07T13:44:15+08:00"
updated: "2026-03-17T23:04:31.687Z"
canonical: "https://accordhk.com/blog/apple-to-end-support-for-32-bit-apps-iphone-5-and-earlier-models-will-no-longer-receive-updates-184"
---

# Apple to End Support for 32-Bit Apps; iPhone 5 and Earlier Models Will No Longer Receive Updates

Apple began asking developers to submit 64-bit apps in 2014 while still allowing 32-bit apps for older devices. With iOS 11 set to be announced at WWDC, the article reports that support for 32-bit apps will end and certain older devices will no longer receive updates.

## In brief

iOS 11 will end support for 32-bit apps. Once the new system launches, the iPhone 5 and earlier models, along with iPad models using the A6 processor and earlier models, will no longer receive updates.

[Apple ](<http://app-developer-hk.com>)began notifying developers as early as 2014 that they would need to submit [64-bit](<http://apps-developer-hk.com>) versions of their [apps](<http://app-development-hk.com>). At the time, Apple also needed to accommodate older devices running on [32-bit](<http://apps-developer-hong-kong.com>) architecture, so it continued to allow 32-bit apps to be listed. Now, with WWDC about to take place today, Apple has already restricted searches for these older apps in the [App Store](<http://app-developer-hong-kong.com>).

Every year, after Apple releases a new version of [iOS](<http://app-development-hong-kong.com>), it drops support for some older device models. In the past, changes to the system architecture were relatively small, so only a limited number of models lost support—something iOS users will likely have experienced. With [iOS 11](<http://apps-development-hk.com>) set to be announced at tonight’s WWDC, the system has now moved entirely to 64-bit architecture. Combined with the expiry of Apple’s deadline for developers to update their apps, this means 32-bit apps will no longer be supported at all.

This means that once the new system is officially released, some older 32-bit devices will lose support. The iPhone 5 and earlier models, as well as [iPad](<http://apps-development-hong-kong.com>) models using the A6 processor and earlier models, will no longer receive updates. http://qooah.com/2017/06/05/32-bit-apps-ios-11-2/

## Frequently asked questions

### When did Apple begin asking developers to submit 64-bit apps?

Apple began notifying developers in 2014 that they would need to submit 64-bit apps. It initially continued to allow 32-bit apps to accommodate older devices.

### Why will iOS 11 stop supporting 32-bit apps?

According to the article, iOS 11 has moved entirely to 64-bit architecture, and Apple’s deadline for developers to update their apps has passed. As a result, 32-bit apps will no longer be supported.

### Which older devices will no longer receive updates?

The article identifies the iPhone 5 and earlier models, as well as iPad models using the A6 processor and earlier models. These devices will no longer receive updates once the new system is officially released.

### What had Apple already changed in the App Store ahead of WWDC?

Apple had already restricted searches for older 32-bit apps in the App Store.