Apple has rolled out a wave of pressing software program updates… and this time, the warning indicators are arduous to disregard.
From the latest iPhones to fashions launched greater than a decade in the past, the corporate says customers ought to replace now to keep away from severe points, together with issues with emergency calls and core companies.
On Monday, Apple launched a number of updates throughout completely different variations of iOS, overlaying units as previous because the iPhone 5s from 2013 and as new as the newest fashions. In accordance with studies, the updates have an effect on an estimated over 2 billion iPhones worldwide, making this one in all Apple’s broadest software program pushes in years.
For newer units, Apple launched iOS 26.2.1, whereas older telephones acquired parallel updates equivalent to iOS 18.7.4, iOS 16.7.13, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 12.5.8, relying on the mannequin.
Apple has saved most particulars temporary, typically stating that the releases embody necessary fixes and are advisable for all customers.
One replace stands out for house owners of Apple’s oldest supported units. iOS 12.5.8, launched for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, doesn’t add new options however prevents one thing much more disruptive.
Apple defined the rationale in a help doc. “This replace extends the certificates required by options equivalent to iMessage, FaceTime, and system activation to proceed working after January 2027,” Apple stated on its help web site.
With out this replace, key companies on these older iPhones would finally cease working altogether.
Emergency name failures sparked urgency
The updates comply with studies of a severe challenge that affected emergency calls, notably in Australia. Some older iPhones have been unable to hook up with emergency companies after a community failure, elevating alarms for Apple and regulators alike.
Apple stated customers ought to set up the updates to make sure emergency calls work correctly, particularly on older {hardware}. Apple warned that uncommon community points might nonetheless happen whereas carriers proceed to enhance their methods.
In these circumstances, the corporate defined that “some older cellphones may nonetheless encounter the identical challenge reaching emergency companies by means of an alternate obtainable community,” in response to its up to date help documentation.
Whereas Apple has not disclosed safety vulnerabilities intimately, the corporate has repeatedly emphasised the significance of putting in these updates as quickly as attainable.
Emergency calls aren’t like common cellphone calls; they should work each single time. Apple emphasised that whereas community points inflicting name failures are uncommon, the implications could be life-threatening.
Apple Watch additionally will get consideration
Apple didn’t cease with iPhones. The corporate additionally pushed watchOS 26.2.1 to deal with associated points on mobile Apple Watch fashions, together with Apple Watch Sequence 6 and later.
To replace, head to Settings > Normal > Software program Replace in your iPhone or iPad. For Apple Watch, open the Watch app in your paired iPhone and navigate to Normal > Software program Replace.
In case your Watch has watchOS 6 or later, Apple says, “you’ll be able to set up updates with out your iPhone as follows.” Go to the Settings app in your Apple Watch > Normal > Software program Replace.
Additionally learn: iOS and iPadOS flaws can depart hundreds of thousands of units vulnerable to silent takeover.
