Imagine your trusty old iPhone, a relic from a bygone era, suddenly unable to make calls or send texts. That's exactly what happened to some users after Apple's recent iOS update. But here's where it gets interesting: the tech giant had to scramble for an emergency fix, and the story behind it reveals a lot about Apple's commitment to its older devices—and the challenges that come with it.
With the launch of the highly anticipated second-generation AirTag 2, Apple rolled out iOS 26.2.1 to ensure compatibility with this sleek new tracker. But that wasn’t all—the company also released a series of smaller updates for older iPhone models, including iOS 12.5.8 for the iPhone 5S and 6. Other updates, like iOS 15.8.6, iOS 18.7.4, and iOS 16.7.13, were also made available. However, just a day later, Apple abruptly pulled most of these updates (except iOS 26.2.1) after discovering a critical issue: older iPhones were unable to connect to the network of Telstra, a major Australian telecommunications company.
And this is the part most people miss: Telstra quickly stepped in, releasing a carrier firmware update to resolve the problem. Affected users in Australia could fix the issue by connecting their iPhones to Wi-Fi, navigating to Settings > General > About, and accepting the carrier settings update. This patch restored 4G connectivity, call functionality, and text messaging capabilities.
Once the dust settled, Apple re-released iOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 18.7.4, along with iOS 16.7.14, which addressed the bug in the previous version. This final update ensured that the issue with the Australian carrier was permanently resolved.
But why does Apple bother updating devices like the iPhone 5S, which is over a decade old? Unlike Android manufacturers, Apple doesn’t publicly commit to a specific update timeline. However, a 2024 document revealed that the company aims to provide security updates for at least five years from a device’s initial release. Yet, the iPhone 5S, now 13 years old, continues to receive sporadic updates. Is this a sign of Apple’s exceptionalism, or is there more to the story?
The primary reason for the iOS 12.5.8 update was to extend the security certificate, ensuring that essential features like iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation remain functional beyond January 2027. While it’s impressive that Apple still supports such an old device, let’s be honest: the iPhone 5S is practically a relic in today’s app-driven world. Most apps require higher software or hardware specifications, and even browsing with Safari can be a challenge. Still, the update allows owners to send iMessage texts and make FaceTime calls, keeping these devices from becoming entirely obsolete.
But here’s the controversial question: Is Apple’s continued support for ancient devices like the iPhone 5S a commendable commitment to longevity, or is it a reminder of how quickly technology leaves older hardware behind? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Apple should keep updating these devices, or is it time to let them retire gracefully?
