For the first time since the release of iPhone 5s, which was the first 64-bit iOS device, Apple has dropped iOS update support for 32-bit models of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. This means the upcoming iOS 10.3.2, which is currently in beta stages and versions to be released after it will not work on certain devices such as the iPhone 5 and iPad 4th gen., both of which are powered by 32-bit processors. iOS 10.3.2’s dropping of 32-bit architecture support is a big indication that iOS 11 that is scheduled to be announced at WWDC 2017 is going to be all about 64-bit devices.
Apple has also started a campaign to name and shame those apps that have not been updated to fully support the 64-bit architecture on iOS. Since the release of iOS 10 the operating system has been showing a pop up notification to indicate when the app needs an update in order to properly work on 64-bit devices. Taking things further Apple has also added a dedicated section in iOS 10.3 that tells the user which apps are outdated and need updating.
To check which apps on your device are outdated simply go to Settings > General > About > Applications. Here you will find any apps that are 32-bit. Remember that the Applications options is only tappable when there is one or more 32-bit apps installed on the device. If all your apps are up to date, then you won’t be able to tap on Applications button.
If an app you have installed and find useful does show up in the Applications section, it is a good idea to look for alternatives as these apps won’t be able to run on iOS 11. If you can’t find alternatives, then it is worth writing an email to its developer and requesting them to add 64-bit support to their app so it can live on.
