iOS 10.3.2 appears ready to cut-off support on several iPhone models by Apple's midterm cycle. Forbes' Gordon Kelly was able to learn what is next after iOS 10.3.1 delivered a rock solid changes for iPhone users. To say the least, this would the first time Apple has invested itself to such move in preparation for its major version change.

This iOS 10.3.2 upset could have a direct effect on iPhone 5 and iPhone 5C models since both units have a 32-bit architecture built. The catch is, in its last two beta releases, iOS 10.3.2 has only delivered support for 64-bit iOS devices, Forbes reported.

As Kelly recalled, Apple has not skipped 32-bit iPhones in its previous updates unless they are dedicated to specific problem on a device or bug fixes. Apple is notably trailing a new path with iOS 10.3.2 which would likely abandon some of iPhone iOS 10 units.

Meanwhile, it is good to note that iOS 10.3.2 will only bring third-party VPN apps patch and SiriKit car command fixes. The number of affected iPhone users remains unclear but looking at the record-breaking sales of iPhone 5 (over 90 million) and the cult popularity of iPhone 5C, roughly 150 million iPhone owners could be left behind.

On the other hand, BMO Capital Markets has estimated that iPhone installed base in December 2016 totaling around 715 million units. Also, Mixpanel's April 10 stats on active iPhone models report a 6.11% combined share for the iPhone 5 (3.77percent) and 5C (2.34precent), PhoneArena added.

Thus, this unexpected U-turn with iOS 10.3.2, iOS generation has lost the guarantee that Apple will remain supporting their iPhones in the future. The act of simply cutting the iOS support to open a new era is undoubtedly an act of abandonment.

Are you affected of this iOS 10.3.2 support cut-off to old iPhones? Do you think Apple did the right thing?

Read more
Tags IOS 10