The upcoming iOS 10.3.2 update could end software support for Apple devices including the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C and 4th-generation iPad. Once discontinued, users will be more vulnerable to bugs and other security threats.

Few days after the release of iOS 10.3.2 beta, there are several reports that Apple would stop updating some of its old devices. Although there has been no official announcement from Apple, a recent list released by the company hinted the potential demise of the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C and fourth-generation iPad, according to Apple Insider.

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The reason behind the speculation has been attributed primarily to an observation that Apple will not be providing restore images for their devices still using a variant of the A6 system-on-chip. Sadly, the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, and the fourth-gen iPad are using A6 system-on-chip, built on a 32-bit architecture.

The transition from 32-bit hardware and 32-bit apps to the latest 64-bit version has its roots in the introduction Apple's A7 SoC with the iPhone 5S back in 2013. As of the current writing, the latest iPhone device is equipped with Apple A10 chipset, which will soon be replaced by the upcoming Apple A11 chip, 9to5Mac has suggested.

Users of Apple devices running on variants of the A6 chipset are faced with a crucial decision to make. Whether they like it or not, the support being offered for old Apple devices will become more limited if not obsolete in the coming years. Hence, necessitating an upgrade.

Current users of the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, and fourth-generation iPad have the option to upgrade to the latest iPhone like the upcoming iPhone 8 or recently released iPhone 7. 

See the potential look of the upcoming iPhone 8 with the rumored Apple A11 chip below: