iCloud to Discontinue Safari Bookmark Syncing on Older iOS Versions

On Monday, we shared that Apple has released a new support document indicating that iCloud backup functionality will cease for iPhones and iPads operating on iOS 8 or earlier. Additionally, we have learned that there will be limitations on syncing Safari bookmarks as well.

Safari synchronization to cease on certain iOS versions

According to another support document on Apple’s website, devices running versions older than iOS 11 will no longer sync Safari bookmarks through iCloud. Users with these devices won’t lose their existing bookmarks, but any new bookmarks will not sync with other devices and vice versa. This update will also impact Macs operating on versions older than macOS Sierra 10.12.5.

Apple advises that users must upgrade their devices to iOS 11 or newer, or to macOS Sierra 10.12.6 or newer, in order to continue syncing their Safari bookmarks via iCloud. For those without compatible devices, Safari bookmarks will still be accessible on iCloud.com.

In the future, iCloud Bookmarks can ensure your Safari bookmarks remain updated across all devices — just ensure all your devices are on iOS 11 or newer and your Mac is running macOS Sierra 10.12.6 or newer. Additionally, you can sync bookmarks to a Windows PC using iCloud for Windows and the iCloud Bookmarks browser extension.

iOS 11 marked the first version of Apple’s operating system to exclusively support 64-bit devices, rendering it incompatible with older models like the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, and iPad 4 – which are limited to iOS 10. Regarding macOS, Macs introduced in 2012 and later can be upgraded to macOS Sierra to ensure connectivity for Safari bookmark synchronization.

This notification follows Apple’s recent announcement that iCloud backup will also discontinue for devices running between iOS 5 and iOS 8. Apple has stated that existing backups on unsupported devices will also be removed from the cloud. These changes will take effect on December 18, 2024.

Apple provides a webpage detailing the minimum system requirements for all its online services, which you can view here.

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