After one year, Apple is releasing an iOS 12 update to patch a critical security vulnerability that could affect devices like the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6. Apple typically supports its iPhones and iPads with software updates for several years, but the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 have long been dropped from the list of supported devices. While the iPhone 5s was released with iOS 7, iPhone 6 shipped with iOS 8 out of the box. However, they're both stuck on iOS 12, which was released in 2018. The last update for both of them was iOS 12.5.5, which was released last year.
People often stick with iPhones for far longer, thanks to Apple's exemplary update policies. For example, actor Chris Evans stuck with his iPhone 6s for several years before finally upgrading earlier this year. Evans, best known for his portrayal of Captain America in several MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) movies, is believed to have upgraded to an iPhone 12 Pro but complained on social media about missing the physical Home button of the iPhone 6s. However, he also made it amply clear that he was happy to leave behind the older iPhone's poor camera quality, slow charging and unimpressive battery life.
The latest iOS 12 update comes as version 12.5.6 and patches a security vulnerability fixed in newer versions of iOS. It arrives almost a year after Apple released iOS 12.5.5 and fixes a flaw that could allow malicious websites to execute arbitrary codes on affected devices. Apple also says that the vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2022-32893, may have been actively exploited in the wild.
iOS 12 Gets An Update After One Year
The latest iOS update is available for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3 and iPod touch (6th generation). To install the software, go to device settings, then scroll down and select 'General.' Next, choose 'Software Update' and then simply tap on 'Download and Install' to install the new software.
Software updates are critical for most ecosystems, especially when it fixes a security vulnerability that's been actively exploited. So the latest iOS update is one that should be installed immediately by folks who are still using any of the affected devices. Apple is typically a leader in software updates, and the latest rollout is yet another example that the company takes software more seriously than most of its rivals in the consumer electronics space.
Source: Apple