iOS Question Specify a fixed SDK version to keep new versions of your app running on iOS 15

[RichardN]

This may have been mentioned a while ago but the change is now imminent as part of Apple's pursuit of 'Managed Obsolescence' . I see I have a user base that is only 5% of total users using iOS15 or older. Am I faced with a decision to freeze those 5% of users out or will changes to my code permit business as usual?

IAW the current Google Maps example my code has #Target: iPhone, iPad and #MinVersion: 11.0 What are the options?

From Google ref Google Maps SDK for iOS:-

Hello Google Maps Customer,

We are writing to remind you about an upcoming update to our Mobile OS version support policy.

Starting May 2025, a significant update to our Maps, Places, and Navigation SDKs for iOS will no longer support devices running iOS 15.

We’ve provided additional information below to guide you through this change.

What do you need to know​

Starting May 2025, all newly released versions of Maps, Places, and Navigation for iOS will only support iOS 16 or later. The earlier SDK versions will continue supporting iOS 15.

If your dependencies do not specify a version number, your Integrated Development Environment (IDE) will load the newest SDK version and new builds of your app will not support iOS 15.

What do you need to do​

You are required to specify a version of the Maps, Places, and Navigation SDKs for iOS in your application's build dependencies to control when you raise the minimum supported OS for newer versions of your app.

Our records show that the projects listed in the table below are used on devices running iOS 15. To ensure continued support, update your SDK dependencies in the next release before May 2025.

 

[CyberRaven3]

With only 5% of users on iOS 15 or below, it makes sense to raise the minimum version to iOS 16 to reduce support for legacy systems and simplify development.

 

[Alessandro71]

I received this message also.
If I do nothing, nothing will happen for iOS16+ users, while iOS15 ones will have maps issues.
What is not clear, is what I have to do to continue support those iOS15 users, if I need to.

 

[Erel]

If I understood correctly then nothing will be changed until I'll update the SDK (for developers using the hosted builder).

 

[RichardN]

Thanks @Erel ..... In that case should #MinVersion: be set to 16 ? Yes/No/When?

Just out of interest.... A friend recently asked me for assistance in updating an app on her ancient (c.2014) iPad. Like many devices of the period it had had stopped iOS updates at version 14. The problem was that she had a commercial app that she used frequently. After updating the app from the iStore it promptly refused to open. Every time it was selected she got a dialog that said 'This app requires iOS 18 to run'. Of course the device cannot be updated further, and the app version cannot be rolled back to a version that works. In my mind the iStore should not have permitted an update of an app that cannot run on the users device thereby rendering it useless. Another fine example of 'Managed Obselecence' from Apple. Any other opinions out there?

 

[Erel]

Only after the update of the SDK.

 

[Alessandro71]

I know this is an old thread, but I'm just searching for a confirm that the SDK has been updated and we can set #MinVersion: 16

 

[Erel]

You can of course set the #MinVersion to 16 but Google Maps SDK hasn't been updated yet.