Apple has announced that it will delete and end iCloud Backups for devices running iOS 8 starting December 18, 2024.
In a support document published today, Apple says…
Starting December 18, 2024, device backups will require iOS 9 or later. This is to align more closely with our published minimum software requirements. Until this date, you’ll be able to use the service as normal. Afterward, your backup data will be deleted unless you update to iOS 9 or later.
If your device is already running updated software, no action is required. After December 18, 2024, if you have devices with iOS 5 through iOS 8:
● You won’t be able to create new backups for these devices.
● Your existing backups of these devices will be inaccessible.
All apps, data, and content on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch remain on your device. To keep using iCloud Backup, update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 9 or later. Or, you can manually back up your device to a Mac or PC with iTunes or Finder.
More details in the full support document linked below…