If you're still holding onto an older iPhone or iPad, your go-to video conferencing app is about to require an upgrade. Zoom has signaled that it will soon be ending support for devices running iOS 13 and iOS 14, a move that aligns with standard industry practice but will undoubtedly impact users of some classic Apple hardware.

This isn't a surprise move, but rather the natural, albeit sometimes frustrating, lifecycle of software development. As new operating systems introduce enhanced security features and more powerful developer tools, companies eventually have to draw a line in the sand. For Zoom, that line is now being drawn at iOS 15.

Users on affected devices will soon find they can't download the latest versions of the Zoom app, which means missing out on new features, performance improvements, and, most critically, security patches. While the existing app may continue to function for a short period, it's on borrowed time.

Let's be honest, news like this can be frustrating. Why can't the app just keep working? The reasons are more technical than personal, boiling down to three key factors: security, features, and resources.

This is the big one. Apple no longer provides active security updates for iOS 13 and 14. This means vulnerabilities discovered in those operating systems remain unpatched, creating potential risks. For an application like Zoom, which handles sensitive personal and business communications, building on an insecure foundation is a massive liability. By requiring iOS 15 or later, Zoom ensures its application is running on an OS that is still actively supported and patched by Apple, protecting both the user and the platform itself.

Modern app features often rely on new frameworks and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that simply don't exist in older operating systems. Think of it like trying to install a modern, high-efficiency engine in a vintage car frame. It's just not compatible without massive, inefficient modifications.

Forcing developers to create workarounds for older OS versions stifles innovation and slows down the rollout of new features for everyone. By sunsetting support for iOS 13 and 14, Zoom's engineering teams can focus on leveraging the more advanced capabilities of iOS 15, 16, and beyond.

Finally, it's a simple matter of logistics. Every operating system version that a company supports requires a dedicated amount of time and money for testing, bug fixing, and maintenance. As the user base for older systems like iOS 13 and 14 shrinks to a tiny fraction of the total, it no longer makes business sense to dedicate significant resources to them. That effort is better spent improving the experience for the overwhelming majority of users on modern software.

So, what does this mean for you if you're not sure what iOS version you're running? This change primarily impacts devices that are not capable of updating to iOS 15. If you have one of the following, you'll need to pay close attention.

The list of popular devices capped at iOS 14 includes:

• iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus
• iPhone SE (1st generation)
• iPad Air 2
• iPad mini 4

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are also notable here, as they are capped at iOS 15. While they are safe for now, they are likely next on the chopping block for many apps in the coming year or two. It's a clear signal that their time is limited in the modern app ecosystem.

If you're one of the users affected by this change, you essentially have a few paths forward. None are perfect, but they're the reality of the situation.

1. Update Your Software (If You Can): The first and easiest step is to check if your device can be updated. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update to iOS 15 or newer is available, install it. This will solve the problem instantly.
2. Consider a Hardware Upgrade: For those with devices like the iPhone 6s, this is the unfortunate but most practical long-term solution. A device from 2015 has had a great run, but it can no longer keep up with the security and feature demands of modern applications.
3. Use the Web Client (For Now): As a temporary workaround, you might be able to join Zoom meetings through the Safari web browser on your device. However, the experience is often more limited than the native app, and browser support on older iOS versions can also become a problem over time. It's a stopgap, not a permanent fix.

Ultimately, the end of support for older operating systems is a constant in the tech world. While it can be a hassle for those with aging hardware, it's a necessary step to ensure a more secure, stable, and feature-rich experience for the vast majority of users.