Apple has been trying to convince all iOS developers to code all of their software and apps using a 64-bit protocol since the launch of the Apple A7 chipset, back in 2013. Several developers immediately jumped at the chance to utilize the latest 64-bit system, which essentially makes their apps future-proof when Apple releases better hardware. However, some developers still declined to follow suit, which has likely lead to Apple finally dropping the hammer on 32-bit apps still found on the Apple App Store.

The final curtain

Apple has given developers some fair warning over the past couple of months, even telling them that 32-bit apps may no longer be working with future iOS versions.

Now, it has finally pulled the plug on the 32-bit apps that are still left on the App Store by completely removing them from the store's Search Results. The company strangely didn't make any official announcement and just outright implemented the change overnight.

Not yet purged

Several users and tech publications started to notice that there was no longer any 32-bit iOS software that was appearing on the results. Apple hadn't really purged the apps themselves from the store as they can still be visited using direct links. This means that shortcuts and hyperlinks going to the apps are still accessible and users can still install them on their 32-bit devices, given that they have access to the direct links.

Preparing for the future

According to reports, Apple may be preparing to fully purge these apps from the App Store once iOS 11 arrives. The latest version of Apple's mobile operating system is expected to be announced sometime this week during the company's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event.

iOS 11 is believed to a fully 64-bit operating system and will no longer be compatible with 32-bit apps. The removal of the older apps from the App Store's search results is likely a final warning for developers, telling them to get with the program or risk being completely removed from the store itself.

As of the moment, some developers are still hesitant to fully migrate to a 64-bit system seeing as that Apple's devices are not yet really taking advantage of its true potential.

For one, a 64-bit system can basically utilize more than 4GB of RAM. The iPhone 7 only has 3GB of RAM, which means that there isn't really a lot of sense for developers to go through the hassle of recoding their software. However, Apple is likely thinking way ahead of developers and are forcing them to take the step now rather than later.
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