Urgent Bank of Ireland warning as customers face forking over extra cash to avoid losing app access
BANK of Ireland customers may be forced to replace their current mobile phones with newer models in months to avoid losing access to their digital services.
Customers were left raging after the bank last week confirmed that the app will no longer support their device unless it is upgraded.
The message from the bank, which was sent directly to customers on their 365 online banking app, read: "31st March is a key date for any customer with an operating system on their device that is older than those mentioned below.
"After this date we will no longer offer support for these operating systems."
BOI has confirmed that the deadline to replace older devices, which was originally scheduled for Sunday, has been pushed back until July 1st.
Customers with iPhones and iPads will need at least an iOS (Apple) version 15 operating system.
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Those who use an Android will need to update to Android 11 or higher in order to continue using the mobile banking app in the summer.
But some customers have claimed that they will be forced to fork out hundreds of euro on a new device.
Some older phones and tables are not supported by Apple or Google, which means they no longer get software updates from those manufacturers.
Affected customers will still have access to the app on their old phones and tablets after July - but any device using an old operating system will not be able to update to any later versions of the app.
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New features and improvements will no longer be able to accessed and access to existing features of the app may be affected over time.
Bank of Ireland bosses said that when a device stops getting the latest software updates, it can leave the device more exposed to security issues like fraud.
And those who don't have the updated system will no longer be able to access any Apple or Android security patches or updates.
Customers with Huawei phones will also be unable to access the BoI mobile app.
However, anyone who loses the ability to access their account through the mobile banking app will be able to access online banking from a computer if they order a physical security key from the bank.
One BOI customer took to social media to confirm that they would be forced to buy a new mobile if they wanted to continue accessing the app.
He explained: "So, I went to the bank today and it came out that i have to buy a new phone because my phone's software is not updating to the version the bank app requires.
"I've had this phone for seven years and it works like a brave tractor - there is no need to buy a new phone otherwise. Other option would be physical security key."
He added: "That's the outcome, just letting you know what to expect when you happen to have an old working phone."
Others were worried that the message they received from Bank of Ireland was a scam whilst more customers said the problem was resolved once they updated their device.
Separately, thousands of Irish households will be hit with "inflation-busting" price hikes on their broadband and TV bills next month.
Several telecommunications providers are set to increase their prices significantly in a "bizarre" move that will impact the already cash-strapped pockets of consumers.
Eir, Vodafone, Three, Sky and Virgin Media are among the companies set to introduce the price increases in April.