Apple releases new update for older iPhones and iPads to fix a major GPS issue

Shortly after releasing iOS 12.4, Apple announced that the iPhones and iPads that aren't compatible with the latest software update because they're too old will be getting another update specifically to address an issue with the GPS component of these devices.

According to Apple, starting November 3, 2019, some iPhone and iPad models introduced in 2012 and earlier will require an iOS update to maintain the GPS location feature accurate and keep the correct date and time.

The update is needed due to the GPS time rollover issue that began affecting GPS-enabled product from other manufacturers on April 6, 2019. Although Apple devices are not impacted yet, to continue to function properly, the GPS location feature needs a software update until November 3, 2019.

GPS technology uses the date and time when calculating one's location and stores the week number using ten binary bits, The Register reports. Every 20 years or so, the counter goes back to zero, which makes the devices with GPS to revert to an earlier year, thus causing the location feature to fail.

If you don't update your old iPhone or iPad before November 3, 2019, some models might not be able to maintain an accurate GPS position. Moreover, other features that rely on the correct date and time, such as iCloud syncing and email fetching, might stop working.

If you still own an iPhone 4s, iPad mini (1st generation) Wi-Fi+Cellular, iPad 2 Wi-Fi+Cellular, and iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi+Cellular, the updated software version number should be iOS 9.3.6. For iPhone 5 and iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi+Cellular users, the updated software version number should be 10.3.4.

Apple says that iPod touch and all iPad models that have Wi-Fi only will not be affected by this GPS issue. Also, it will not affect iOS devices newer than those mentioned in the article.