Apple Releases iOS 12.4.2 Update for Older iPhones and iPads

[MacRumors]

Though iOS 13 has been available for a week now, Apple today released an iOS 12.4.2 update designed for those who are still running versions of iOS 12 on devices that aren't able to be updated to iOS 13.

Apple is making iOS 12.4.2 available for the original iPad Air, the iPad mini 2, the iPad mini 3, the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and sixth-generation iPod touch, all of which are not compatible with iOS 13.

The iOS 12.4.2 update can be downloaded on eligible devices over the air by opening up the Settings app, selecting the General section, and tapping on Software Update.

It's not clear what's included in iOS 12.4.2, but it is likely a security update that adds important security fixes for older devices that weren't able to get those updates through the newer software. Apple's release notes say the update "includes improvements, provides important security updates, and is recommended for all users."

A security support document provided alongside the update indicates that it fixes a vulnerability that could allow a remote attacker to case unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution.

Article Link: Apple Releases iOS 12.4.2 Update for Older iPhones and iPads

 

[jezbd1997]

iPhone 5S**
The 5 didn’t even run iOS 11

 

[GregJohn]

I got slightly excited that it was 13.2...

but I’m going to guess this might have to do with the new iPads

 

[thebigfox]

I wish iOS 12 run on iPhone 5, but it doesn't

 

[redheeler]

Is Apple finally going to start issuing security updates for older versions of iOS on devices that are capped? If so, it's about time.

 

[thecastle]

Is Apple finally going to start issuing security updates for older versions of iOS on devices that are capped? If so, it's about time.

How long do androids get updates?

 

[I7guy]

Very impressive Apple.

 

[macduke]

How long do androids get updates?

Enough with the whataboutism. It’s the right thing to do. End of debate.

 

[57004]

I got slightly excited that it was 13.2...

but I’m going to guess this might have to do with the new iPads

I really doubt that because those already come with 13, right?

 

[Rocko99991]

72mb on 6 Plus.

 

[kyleh22]

I bet it slows old devices down to encourage users to upgrade their phones. JK, Apple would never do that.

 

[jezbd1997]

I really doubt that because those already come with 13, right?

Yeah they would come with 13. Not sure what that guys thinking

 

[zorinlynx]

Is Apple finally going to start issuing security updates for older versions of iOS on devices that are capped? If so, it's about time.

This is nothing new; Apple has released updates for devices stuck on older iOS versions before if there are major security problems, or to keep major features from breaking.

There are a lot of iPhone 6 users out there and it would be irresponsible to leave them vulnerable especially this soon after iOS 13 came out.

 

[MvdM]

I bet it slows old devices down to encourage users to upgrade their phones. JK, Apple would never do that.

To improve user experience. You don’t want your iphone to crash at the moment you want to take a picture.

 

[TMRJIJ]

Enough with the whataboutism. It’s the right thing to do. End of debate.

Actually, I wonder about that as well. With so many devices not getting past the sweet named versions of Android, I wonder if Google still sneaks security updates past the phone manufacturers and carriers.

 

[adrianlondon]

My 1st gen iPad mini is jealous. iOS9 doesn't really have any redeeming features apart from it not being iOS 8.

 

[Targets R Us]

"Apple is making iOS 12.4.2 available for the ...... iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus ..... all of which are not compatible with iOS 13."

Isn't this in error? My 6s is running 13.1.

-Jeff

 

[xXRainKingXx]

Is the purpose of this update to render all iOS 12 devices unusable?

 

[redheeler]

"Apple is making iOS 12.4.2 available for the ...... iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus ..... all of which are not compatible with iOS 13."

Isn't this in error? My 6s is running 13.1.

-Jeff

iPhone 6, not 6s. The 6 is not supported by iOS 13, while the 6s is.

 

[StellarVixen]

To improve user experience. You don’t want your iphone to crash at the moment you want to take that picture.

It’s pointless to try and explain things to people who stick to their beliefs no matter what.

 

[rgomez]

I just discovered today in the morning that with iOS 12 (my gf has an iPhone 6, so no iOS 13 for her) you can't update an Apple Watch to WatchOS 6. Maybe with this update it is possible? It would be very low, IMHO, of Apple, to restrict that.

 

[Targets R Us]

iPhone 6, not 6s. The 6 is not supported by iOS 13, while the 6s is.

Oops...bad reading comprehension on my part! LOL!

-Jeff

 

[redheeler]

This is nothing new; Apple has released updates for devices stuck on older iOS versions before if there are major security problems, or to keep major features from breaking.

There are a lot of iPhone 6 users out there and it would be irresponsible to leave them vulnerable especially this soon after iOS 13 came out.

I don't recall Apple releasing security updates for a non-current older version of iOS, ever. There was a GPS bugfix update for iOS 9 and 10 released earlier this year, but there wasn't any mention of security fixes in the release notes.

Agreed on the second point. That could be what motivated Apple to change their policy regarding supporting older versions of iOS on capped devices.

 

[Lubidubi]

I just discovered today in the morning that with iOS 12 (my gf has an iPhone 6, so no iOS 13 for her) you can't update an Apple Watch to WatchOS 6. Maybe with this update it is possible? It would be very low, IMHO, of Apple, to restrict that.

Not possible. You need an iphone with ios 13.
You cant pair a Watchos 6 watch with ios 12, just to let you know.

 

[JosephAW]

Ummm what about newer devices that want to stay on iOS 12?
[automerge]1569520764[/automerge]
Now don't stop signing iOS 12.4.1 because I have to do a DFU install on my 7+