According to Apple, the iOS in older devices must be updated before midnight UTC on Nov. 3, or 8 a.m., Sunday, Manila time, to prevent functions going wonky. Mike Segar, Reuters/file
MANILA—Apple said its users must update their iPhone or iPad operating system to the latest version to avoid issues with GPS location and other functions.
The company said some iPhone and iPad models introduced in 2012 and earlier will require an iOS update to maintain the accuracy of their GPS location.
"This is due to the GPS time rollover issue that began affecting GPS-enabled products from other manufacturers on April 6, 2019. Affected Apple devices are not impacted until just before 12:00 a.m. UTC on November 3, 2019," Apple said in its official website.
The software update must be done before midnight UTC on Nov. 3, or 8 a.m., Sunday, Manila time.
The updated software version number should be iOS 10.3.4 for iPhone 5 and iPad (4th generation, Wi-Fi + Cellular) and iOS 9.3.6 for iPhone 4s, iPad mini (1st generation, Wi-Fi + Cellular), iPad 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular (CDMA models only) and iPad (3rd generation, Wi-Fi + Cellular).
The issue does not affect iPod touch and any Wi-Fi only iPad models. Devices newer than those mentioned are likewise not affected by the GPS issue.
Apple said users of iPhone 5 are required to update their device's software to maintain accurate GPS location, as well as to continue using functions that rely on correct date and time, including App Store, iCloud, email, and web browsing.
Those who will fail to update the software in their iPhone 5 would have to back-up and restore their devices using a computer, as over-the-air software and iCloud Backup will not work beyond said date.