Apple patches ancient iOS versions to keep iMessage, FaceTime, other services working

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.

Apple drops unexpected iOS update, including older models—full device list

Apple surprises users with unexpected update, quietly reviving older iPhones and iPads.

iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch

Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released. iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6,
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iOS 26.3 will introduce a privacy feature most iPhone owners can't use

A new feature called Limited Precise Location is unlikely to work on your device or with your carrier at launch.

A new setting in iOS 26.3 will make it harder for carriers to track your exact location

Apple's upcoming iOS 26.3 update will introduce a setting that limits how precisely carriers can determin your location.