Apple Updates Old iPhones to Keep iMessage & FaceTime Running
▼ Summary
– Apple typically provides security-only updates for older iPhones and iPads for one to two years after ending major iOS support.
– The company has made a rare exception by releasing new patches for long-retired iOS versions like 12, 15, and 16.
– These updates are available for very old devices, including models from 2013 like the iPhone 5S.
– The patches do not fix security flaws or add features; they only update a critical security certificate.
– This certificate update ensures iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple ID sign-in continue working past January 2027.
Apple has issued a series of updates for older iPhones and iPads, ensuring that essential services like iMessage and FaceTime remain functional for years to come. This move extends the lifespan of devices that are no longer eligible for major iOS upgrades, providing continued utility for users who rely on these core communication features. While these updates do not introduce new security patches or functionality, they specifically address a critical certificate expiration that would have otherwise disrupted key Apple services.
The updates target several legacy operating systems, including iOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 16.7.13. These releases are available for a range of older hardware, such as the iPhone 5S from 2013, the iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, and even the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. This action is notable because Apple typically concludes all support, including these minor updates, for an operating system version after a certain period. The company had last patched iOS 15 and 16 in mid-2025, while iOS 12 had not seen an update since early 2023.
According to Apple’s official notes, the sole purpose of these updates is to refresh a security certificate. Without this update, the original certificate was set to expire in January 2027. An expired certificate would have caused significant disruptions, preventing users from accessing iMessage, FaceTime, and even signing into their Apple accounts on these older devices. By proactively issuing these patches, Apple is ensuring a seamless experience and preventing a widespread service outage for a segment of its user base.
This strategy highlights Apple’s approach to supporting its ecosystem long after hardware reaches its peak. Even when a device no longer receives the latest iOS version, the company often provides security-only updates for a year or two to protect users. This latest step goes beyond that standard window, directly intervening to maintain the operability of fundamental cloud-based services. It demonstrates a commitment to user experience and ecosystem stability, acknowledging that many people continue to use older, yet still capable, devices for daily communication.
For owners of these older iPhones and iPads, installing the update is straightforward through the Settings app. The process is crucial for anyone who wishes to keep using iMessage and FaceTime without interruption after the 2027 deadline. This kind of support, while focused on a single technical issue, provides significant value by preserving the core functionality that makes Apple devices interconnected. It effectively grants these older models an extended lease on life for their most social features.
(Source: Ars Technica)
