Google is rolling out a new update for the YouTube app on iOS, and it is bad news for those still using an old iPhone. Starting with version 20.22.1, the latest release in the App Store, YouTube for iPhone now requires iOS 16 and newer. Previously, the app required a device with iOS 15 and newer.
The new hardware requirement makes several iPhones incompatible with the latest version of the YouTube app. Those include the iPhone 6S / 6S Plus, iPhone 7 / 7 Plus, and the original iPhone SE. The seventh-generation iPod touch is also no longer compatible. On the iPad side, the update kicks out the second-generation iPad Air and the fourth-generation iPad mini.
Although old iPhones can no longer install YouTube version 20.22.1 and newer, old versions continue working just fine. However, going forward, users will not receive new features and improvements. Also, at some point in the future, the app will stop working altogether. Another workaround is to use the web version of the app, but that also provides a limited experience compared to the up-to-date client.
Google is not the only service that kicks out old and now unsupported Apple devices. Recently, WhatsApp developers dropped iPhones that cannot run iOS 15.1 or newer.
The news is clearly a bummer for those who are still using their old iPhones, which, to Apple's credit, have a solid lifespan (as long as you are happy with the battery life). However, it is also worth keeping in mind that the iPhone 6S series was released almost a decade ago. Having ten years of support is impressive, but it is clearly time to move on.
Perhaps my friend with his day-one iPhone 7 Black can finally consider buying something less ancient.
4 Comments - Add comment