Opera No Longer Supports iOS 14 and Below: What to Do if You Have an iPhone 6 or Older

Opera No Longer Supports iOS 14 and Below: What to Do if You Have an iPhone 6 or OlderIf you're using an iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, or an older iPhone model, you may have noticed you can no longer get the latest version of the Opera browser on your device. This is because Opera for iOS has discontinued support for devices running iOS 14 or older

Opera No Longer Supports iOS 14 and Below: What to Do if You Have an iPhone 6 or Older

If you're using an iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, or an older iPhone model, you may have noticed you can no longer get the latest version of the Opera browser on your device. This is because Opera for iOS has discontinued support for devices running iOS 14 or older. This change isn't arbitrary; it's a result of technical limitations and Apple's own termination of support for older iOS versions. Let's delve into the reasons behind this change, the users affected, and the available solutions.

The core issue lies in the compatibility of Opera for iOS. The iPhone 6 series was among the last devices ineligible for the iOS 15 upgrade. This means many iPhone 6 and older users remained on iOS 14. Opera for iOS 5.4.2 was the last version to support iOS 14, and Opera has stated that due to technical limitations, they cannot continue supporting this outdated operating system. This wasn't a sudden decision; Opera had been notifying iOS 14 and below users to upgrade for over a year. Opera emphasizes that continuing to use an outdated iOS version not only restricts access to the latest Opera features but, more importantly, significantly compromises security.

Older iOS systems contain security vulnerabilities that have been patched in newer versions. Apple no longer provides security updates for iOS 14, making your device more susceptible to malware and cyberattacks. This is particularly risky for users who rely on their phones for online banking, shopping, or accessing other sensitive information. In today's increasingly digital world, continuing to use an unpatched, outdated system is a significant security risk.

Opera's Patrick Curtin explained the decision in an official statement, noting that Opera supported iOS 14 for as long as possible, but it ultimately became unsustainable. He highlighted Apple's cessation of support for iOS 14, forcing Opera to adapt to maintain browser stability and security. This wasn't Opera abandoning users; it's a consequence of changes within the entire ecosystem.

So, what if you have an iPhone 6 or older and want to continue using Opera? While you can't get the latest version, there are options. You can install a supported older version of Opera by accessing "Account > Purchase History." However, this will only install a non-current version, and Opera recommends doing so only if absolutely necessary, as older versions lack the latest security patches and feature improvements, posing security concerns.

More importantly, Opera's statement underscores the importance of upgrading your operating system. While not a panacea, upgrading significantly improves device security and allows you to use the latest app versions, including Opera. iOS 14 was released in September 2020almost five years ago. Given the frequency of iOS updates and the termination of security support for older systems, upgrading is a wise choice if your device is still running iOS 14.

Most Apple devices still capable of running Opera support iOS 15 or later. Upgrading to iOS 15 or later is the best option for most users who want to continue receiving Opera updates. This ensures access to the latest Opera version and patches security vulnerabilities in older systems, enhancing your device's security.

Of course, we understand that upgrading to a new iOS version isn't always feasible. Some users may be unable to upgrade due to insufficient storage space or other technical limitations. However, this doesn't necessitate abandoning Opera entirely. They can still choose to install an available older version, though this will limit functionality and security.

In conclusion, Opera's discontinuation of support for iOS 14 and below stems from technical limitations and Apple's termination of support for older iOS versions. While this may inconvenience some users, upgrading to iOS 15 or later is the best option from a security perspective. Even if an upgrade isn't possible, installing an older Opera version remains an option, but users should be aware of the functional and security limitations. Users must weigh convenience against security and make the best decision for their situation. Upgrading the operating system is the safest and most reliable solution, but if thats not possible, installing an older Opera version is a viable temporary measure. However, users should remain vigilant about security risks associated with older browsers and closely monitor official Opera announcements for updates and optimal solutions. In today's increasingly data-sensitive world, staying current with device system and app updates is crucial.