When Apple stops supporting older iPhones and iPads with the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, it usually isn’t the end of the line—Apple keeps releasing new security-only patches for those devices for another year or two, keeping them usable while their hardware is still reasonably capable.
Once those updates dry up, it’s rare for Apple to revisit those older operating systems, but the company does sometimes make exceptions. That was the case yesterday, when the company released a batch of updates for long-retired iOS and iPadOS versions that otherwise hadn’t seen a new patch in months or years. Those updates include iOS 12.5.8, available for devices as old as 2013’s iPhone 5S and 2014’s iPhone 6; iOS 15.8.6, available for devices like the iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, and iPad Air 2; and iOS 16.7.13, available for devices like the iPhone 8 and iPhone X.
Both iOS 15 and iOS 16 were last patched in mid-2025, but iOS 12’s last patch was released in January 2023.
It’s great to see Apple taking steps to support older devices with essential updates. Keeping services like iMessage and FaceTime functional for users is a thoughtful move. This ensures that even those with older models can stay connected.
Absolutely! It’s impressive how Apple manages to balance maintaining older devices while ensuring security and functionality. This approach not only helps users who may not upgrade frequently but also extends the life of their devices, which is a great environmental consideration as well.