With the introduction of the iPhone 5s, Apple also introduced the A7 chip which was the first 64-bit mobile chipset found on iOS devices. Many had initially criticized Apple’s efforts claiming that there was no point, although fast forward to today, we are seeing more manufacturers starting to adopt 64-bit chipsets and using it in their products.

In an announcement made through its developer Web portal on Monday, Apple informed app makers that their wares must include 64-bit support and be built with the latest iOS 8 SDK starting Feb. 1, 2015. Posted to Apple’s Developer webpage, the news comes as no surprise as the almost all current iOS devices are powered by 64-bit A7 or A8 chips. Apple was first to bring 64-bit portable computing mainstream with the iPhone 5s 2013 and has since expanded the advanced processors to the iPad. With the introduction of this year’s iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, the only iOS device left without 64-bit support is the base model iPhone 5c, which is now offered as a free-on-contract option from wireless carriers.