Apple has rolled out an unexpected software update for a bunch of older iPhones, iPads and Macs, including the iPhone 5s that was launched back in 2013. Apple is known to support its devices for several years after their release, even when other manufacturers pull the plug on software support after only a few updates. In fact, the iPhone 5s received an iOS update in September 2022 to fix a security flaw.
The iPhone 5s is once again the beneficiary of Apple's new security update, which bumps up the iOS version for the device to 12.5.7. The update, which brings a critical security patch, is available for several older iPhones and iPads, including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation). According to Apple's release notes, the update fixes a vulnerability that could lead to arbitrary code execution when processing malicious web content. The company also said that it is aware the issue "may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS released before iOS 15.1."
New Updates For Old iPhones, iPads, And Macs
In some of the relatively newer iPhones, the incoming software bumped up the iOS version to 15.7.3. A bunch of iPads also received the same update as part of iPadOS 15.7.3. According to Apple, theese updates are available for the iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE (1st generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini (4th generation), and iPod touch (7th generation). The update fixes a number of security vulnerabilities that could allow apps to leak sensitive kernel state and execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It also fixes a Screen Time flaw that allowed an app to access information about a user’s contacts. The update also includes fixes for a couple of non-security-related bugs in the Mail app and Apple Maps.
Alongside the iOS and iPadOS updates, Apple this week also rolled out macOS Monterey 12.6.3 and macOS Big Sur 11.7.3 with a bunch of security fixes. As pointed out by AppleInsider, the oldest Macs getting these updates are the 2013 MacBook Air, Mac Pro, and MacBook Pro. In addition, Apple also rolled out watchOS 9.3 for all Apple Watches going back to the Watch Series 4, as well as tvOS 16.3 for all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD devices.
Apple's incoming software for the iPhones, iPads and Macs do not bring any new features, but still make for compelling updates, given that they fix critical security vulnerabilities. People who are still using any of the affected devices should download and install the update as soon as possible to save themselves and their devices from possible security issues in the future. Old iPhones remain a favorite with many users, and the latest update should make it easier to keep using them without worrying about negative security implications.
Source: Apple 1, 2, AppleInsider