During this week, Apple released a series of system updates across almost every product. Macs, iPads, iPhones, Apple Watches and Apple TVs across the world received updated versions of their operating systems as Apple continues to add features, squash bugs and deal with new security threats.
Apple released the following updates:
- Ventura 13.2
- Monterey 12.6.3
- Big Sur 11.7.3
- iOS/iPadOS 15.7.3
- watchOS 9.3
- Safari 16.3
- tvOS 16.3
You can read about the security content that’s included in these software updates.
But, Apple also quietly updated some older versions of their software. A Reddit user noted that their mother’s iPhone 6 received an update to iOS 12.5. iOS 12 was first released in September 17, 2018 with the iPhone 6 debuting four years earlier in 2014.
That means Apple has issued a software update for a device that was released over eight years ago and has not been eligible for a major software update for some time. The Reddit user, JonBuqajIsSUS, says his mother can use many modern apps including WhatsApp.
The update to iOS 12.5.7 supports even older devices. The iPhone 5s gets an updates along with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation).
Incidentally, here’s what the update fixes.
Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS released before iOS 15.1.
Source: Apple Support
The challenge for users is that this has fallen outside our expectations. Typically, Apple releases updates for the current and previous two versions of each operating system for its platforms. That said, given updates to the most recent operating systems follow an annual cadence and its reasonably easy to update, the company does seem to expect most people to update their software regularly.
Apple’s update to iOS 12.5 is a good thing. Clearly, there was a problem it was seeing or foresaw so they took steps to support users rather than simply telling them to buy a newer phone. Given Apple’s messaging around sustainability, it’s good to know older devices will remain supported rather than ending up in landfill before their time.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.