Updates

We have been saddened to figure out that the member tools app will no longer run on older model iPhones. The app was very useful for our teens, who used it for their callings, but they will no longer be able to use the app and will be out of the loop. Also- my mother in law had to buy a new phone so she could have tools again, even though she had not planned on doing that.

I would like to request, that the church make it possible to use the app on older model iPhones, especially with the economy being what it is today. Is there a number to contact someone about it by phone?

-Chanelle Scown

Currently, Member Tools for iOS requires iOS 16 or higher. Security updates from Apple for iOS 15 ended a couple of months ago.

Considering that Member Tools stores a lot of member contact information, the Church may not be willing to support an out-of-support OS as it could make them liable for a security breach of personal information. I've heard stories before about Apple creating significant roadblocks to updating apps for older phones, but I'm not finding that now. They do have technical standards for apps that must be followed to get updates approved. Those standards may leave older phones behind.

I'm sure the product managers are well aware of how many are using older phones. I'll note that the newest phone that can't update to iOS 16 is the iPhone 7, introduced in Sept 2016 and discontinued in Sept 2019. While there's a case to be made that phones should be supported longer, that needs to be taken up with Apple.
That's not a battle that is central to the church's mission.

For users of unsupported devices, I'd suggest using the web browser and going to the online Ward Directory and Map.

I'd also suggest when buying a new device, look at how long the remaining support is and divide the cost of the phone by the remaining security update support. You may find it cheaper in the long run to pay more for a newer phone.