Owners of the iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPad 2, iPad with Retina Display and the fourth generation iPad need to update their device to the latest software. This comes off the back of an issue that only occurs every 19 yers with the GPS. If owners of these devices fail to update them, theirs losing access to internet, GPS, iCloud and basically anything that involves going online.
“Affected Apple devices are not impacted until just before 12:00 a.m. UTC on November 3, 2019.”
In a media release, Apple stated the following: “Starting just before 12:00 a.m. UTC on November 3, 2019, iPhone 5 will require an iOS update to maintain accurate GPS location and to continue to use functions that rely on correct date and time including App Store, iCloud, email, and web browsing.”
“This is due to the GPS time rollover issue that began affecting GPS-enabled products from other manufacturers on April 6, 2019.”
“Affected Apple devices are not impacted until just before 12:00 a.m. UTC on November 3, 2019.”
Owners of these devices may have already received pop up warnings. These software updates may have gone ignored, as a lot of them tend too. Apple already advised owners of older devices to update their setting back in July.
This is important as a lot of people aren’t as keen to update their phone every couple of years, especially the older generation.
This is caused by an issue with the GPS, resulting in devices losing track of time. Although it only occurs every 19 years, if you don’t update your device, it’ll essentially be a Nokia 3310. The date resets to zero every 1,024 weeks, or 19.7 years due to how weeks are recorded in GPS systems,
This is important as a lot of people aren’t as keen to update their phone every couple of years. They may still be using an iPhone 5 or older as it does all they need, so it’s important to check in with them and ensure they’re still contactable.
If you do miss the date, not all hope is lost. You can still connect your device to a computer and click Settings>General>Software Update.
