- Apple updates certificates to maintain iMessage, FaceTime and account functionality after 2027
- The updates do not include new features or traditional security fixes.
- iOS 16 updates did not renew certificates, leaving some users unsure
Apple unexpectedly released updates for some iOS versions that are more than 10 years old, including iOS 12 and iOS 15.
These updates do not add new features or fix security flaws in the traditional sense; Instead, they update the security certificates that allow iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple account logins to continue working after January 2027.
A similar update was also released for iOS 18.7.4, which is not surprising given that iOS 18 is still actively supported on devices like the iPhone XS and iPhone XR; However, Apple’s patch appears to have a gap. iOS 16 received a recent update, but it makes no mention of certificate renewal and there is no equivalent patch for bricked devices in iOS 17.
The most recent iPhones did not receive the update
This inconsistency leaves users of older devices uncertain about how long their iPhones and iPads can remain operational with basic services intact.
Devices running iOS versions 12 to 16 are becoming less practical as general-purpose smartphones or tablets.
Many of these phones include only 1 or 2 GB of RAM, and their outdated Safari browsers lack the features and security protections necessary to safely browse the modern web.
Third-party apps also stop supporting these versions shortly after they are released, further limiting their usability; However, some older devices still find secondary functions, such as simple messaging phones or single-purpose devices.
A device like the iPhone 5S may serve a limited function for years after mainstream support ends.
Apple has a history of extending security updates for older hardware, usually for a year or two after general support ends.
The recent batch of updates, including iOS 12.5.8 for devices like iPhone 5S and iPhone 6, iOS 15.8.6 for iPhone 6S, 7, and iPad Air 2, and iOS 16.7.13 for iPhone 8 and X, reflect this pattern.
These updates allow older iPhones to continue performing essential functions, even if they can’t handle the latest apps or system features.
Many older iPhones and iPads continue to serve practical purposes long after mainstream support ends, especially in low-income countries where replacing devices is often not an option.
Even models more than a decade old can still be useful for tasks that don’t require the latest hardware or software, such as messaging, music playback, or basic automation.
Many users repurpose these devices as dedicated media players, alarm clocks, or secondary phones for kids, taking advantage of their primary functionality.
Therefore, this update, although insignificant, is relevant to keep essential services such as iMessage and FaceTime operational.
Through Ars Technique
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