Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released. iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013, while the iPhone 6 launched in September 2014.
This is just a certificate update FYI. Not a typical software update.
They added support for the AirTag 2.
Are we sure? Apple said their privacy features toggles turned off various network data sends but researchers found the buttons do nothing.
To elaborate, Apple has done stuff to forvce people to upgrade phones. Why all of a sudden support such and old phone?
Hmm, its fair to be skeptical. But most of the userbase of those phones would be grandparents or kids so I’m not sure that Apple is trying to extract direct monetary value from those age groups.
Plus, its pretty cheap to update the certificate considering the ROI in terms of brand trust/value.
Apple will tell you you need a new laptop for a disconnected display cable.
They’ve generally always supported their phones significantly longer than anything on the other side.
Security updates such as this for devices able to acces services makes sense.
If I were to put on my tinfoil cap, I’d suggest it’s not introducing a new vulnerability, but more likely that the cert update is intended to keep some people using devices that are already insecure.
Sure, but normally they’d just disable features or drain battery to force hardware upgrade, what changed?