Desktop users actually know that computer architecture can either be 32-bit or 64-bit. While the idea itself is somewhat complicated, users just need to know whether their system is 32-bit or 64-bit. They then have to ensure the applications they use are specifically built for their system. Windows users have to be aware of this while Apple users aren’t bogged down by this much. That will change soon because iOS 11 will no longer support the 32-bit architecture. This implies applications that were built for the 32-bit architecture will no longer work once you upgrade your phone or tablet to iOS 11. The stable release of iOS 11 is months away so it’s a smart idea to make sense of which of your apps should be replaced and find an option for it. Here’s how you can find 32-bit apps on your iPhone or iPad.
Open the Settings app and go to General>About. Tap ‘Apps’. This will take you to the App Compatibility screen. On iOS 10, this screen normally shows apps that will slow down your device. These are said to be 32-bit apps that haven’t been updated in a very long time. Some of them may never be available in the App Store. On iOS 10, you may still be able to use some of these apps but they will be slow. Come iOS 11, they won’t work period.
Before you think of deleting these apps, check if there’s an update available for them. Check the developer’s or the app’s support page to check whether they actually plan on updating the app. If not despite everything you aren’t prepared to part with an app wait until the point that iOS 11 is released to the stable channel. It is also possible that some developers will update their apps at the very last minute given they’re being pushed against a wall to do as such.
When iOS 11 finally lands, 32-bit iOS apps will stop to exist. Any 32-bit apps that can still be downloaded from the App Store e.g. Infinity Blade it will either be removed or the download button will not be active. You will likewise see a message on the app’s page stating it hasn’t been updated for iOS 11 at the moment.
We don’t know for sure what sort of deadline these apps have. Apple is very serious about booting 32-bit apps from the App Store. It wants apps on the iPhone and iPad to run well and smooth. The hardware on these devices also improves each year so the apps need to catch up. If users encounter a slow app just because the app is 32-bit, the users may attribute it to a slow iPhone which doesn’t sound great if you want the users to upgrade each year. Obviously, it’s not just about PR. The iPhone and the iPad have some of the best hardware on the market today. Unsuspecting users shouldn’t be dragged down by the out-dated apps that developers are disregarding.
