When Apple announced the iPhone 5S and its brand-new ARMv8 processor in September 2013, tech pundits all over predicted the eventual demise of 32-bit computing. Their predictions weren’t too far off. With the upcoming launch of iOS 11, Apple is officially killing 32-bit iOS applications.
In 2013, the new A7 processor meant your phone could do more, but not necessarily faster. However, since these phones could process information and multitask better than previous models, developers began to test a phone and create apps that handled more processes as well. Shifting to 64-bit architecture allowed developers to evolve along with Apple. Apps and iOS started developing potential as viable desktop replacements.
In 2015 Apple stopped accepting 32-bit app submissions and even began requiring developers to update to the 64-bit format. With iOS 10.2 and 10.3 came warnings that 32-bit apps which weren’t updated would soon become unusable.Apple is starting to make good on this promise, removing “abandoned” apps from the App Store. Apps not updated to the 64-bit format after the June 2015 discontinuance of 32-bit updates are all at risk for deletion.This means your favorite apps could soon end up on the chopping block. Apple is known for pushing developers and consumers alike into using the newest standards of technology. The MacBook’s 2015 release saw USB ports go by the wayside, and the iPhone 7 did away with the headphone jack. There’s no reason to think Apple will take pity on outdated app technology.
One major concern with older iPhones is that their hardware is incompatible with 64-bit technology. The iPhone 5 being the last device built with the 32-bit architecture, and thus the first iPhone in danger. The iPad 4 and iPhone 5c are also based on the same A6 chip, meaning they’re on their way out as well.It’s likely to cause tension between some legacy consumers and Apple. If you’re planning to stay in the iOS ecosystem, you’ll soon need a device built around an A7 chip or later.
The good news for those already using 64-bit models is only about 8 percent of apps haven’t yet received 64-bit updates. Developers are largely accepting Apple’s ultimatum, modifying their apps to keep up. With Apple’s tremendous market share and near continual growth in the mobile market, it’s likely the 64-bit switch won’t have a noticeable effect on developers. The iOS platform is simply too large to ignore.
The 64-bit move from Apple also forces Android’s various hardware developers to adopt 64-bit computing in order to remain competitive. Apple is once again working to raise the technological bar. Adopting 64-bit computing is the future, and Apple is fully embracing it.As consumers, moving to 64-bit technology will only bring more efficient and effective mobile computing. Technology is ever advancing and 64-bit mobile computing will only bring benefits. Embracing the change helps speed the inevitable process.
