iPhone 5s Gets Surprise Update 13 Years Later
▼ Summary
– Apple has released iOS 12.5.8, a new update for the eight-year-old iOS 12, specifically for the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6.
– This update extends the certificate required for iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation, ensuring these features work past January 2027.
– The iPhone 5s and 6, launched in 2013 and 2014 respectively, are now supported for 13 and 12 years after their release.
– Apple often provides security updates for iPhones well beyond its public five-year minimum commitment, as demonstrated by this and other recent updates.
– Alongside this release, Apple also issued new versions of iOS 18 and iOS 16 today.
In a move that underscores its commitment to long-term device support, Apple has issued a significant software update for two of its oldest iPhone models. This unexpected release ensures that core communication features will remain functional for years to come, extending the usable lifespan of hardware launched over a decade ago.
The company has rolled out iOS 12.5.8, specifically for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6. For the iPhone 5s, introduced in September 2013, this represents an impressive thirteen years of post-launch support. The iPhone 6, which debuted in September 2014, now benefits from twelve years of ongoing software attention. This update arrives alongside newer iOS versions but is dedicated to these legacy devices.
Apple’s official release notes clarify the purpose: this patch extends the expiration date for a crucial security certificate. This certificate is required for fundamental services like iMessage, FaceTime, and the initial activation of the device. Without this update, these functions would have stopped working after January 2027. Now, owners of these older phones can continue using these key features without interruption.
This intervention prevents what would have been a hard stop for the devices. Originally, certificate-dependent operations would have simply ceased once the certificate lapsed. The latest software ensures that these iPhones, while no longer receiving major OS upgrades, remain functional for basic communication.
Prior to this release, the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 had last been updated in January 2023 with important security patches. Apple’s public policy promises a minimum of five years of security updates for each iPhone model from its launch date. In practice, however, the company frequently provides critical vulnerability fixes and functional support for a much longer period.
This pattern of extended care is not unique. Take the iPhone 6s, released eleven years ago. It recently received a security update in September 2025 (iOS 15.8.5) and another update just today, iOS 15.8.6, which includes the same type of certificate extension. This demonstrates a consistent approach to maintaining older devices in the ecosystem.
While Apple simultaneously released new versions of iOS 18 and iOS 16 for its current-generation hardware, the focus for these vintage models is on preserving essential connectivity, allowing them to serve as reliable backup devices or for users with modest needs.
(Source: Mac Rumors)
