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Apr 12, 2001
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Apple today released an iOS 12.5.6 update for older iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad models that are not able to run the current version of iOS, iOS 15.

iphone6plus.jpg

The update can be downloaded over-the-air by opening up the Settings app, tapping on "General," and selecting the "Software Update" option.

The iOS 12.5.6 update fixes a major vulnerability that was actively exploited, so it's worth updating right away if you have an older device. The WebKit vulnerability was already fixed in the iOS 15.6.1, iPadOS 15.6.1, and macOS Monterey 12.5.1 updates.

Devices that cannot be updated past iOS 12 include the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPod touch 6, original iPad Air, iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3.

Article Link: Apple Releases iOS 12.5.6 Update for Older iPhones and iPads With Vulnerability Fixes
 
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Wow, was not expecting this. Almost 4 years after iOS 12 was introduced.
And this should lay to rest the concerns of the iPhone 7 and 6S just being abandoned after iOS 16’s release.
If they continue at this pace, those devices should still be getting security updates at least until 2025
 
This is actually pretty incredible. iPhone 5s came out 9 years ago, and it's still receiving security updates.

The Google Nexus 5 came out the same year - and Google ended security updates in in 2016, just a few years later. To say nothing of the third-party Android OEMs at the time that offered even less support.
 
Devices that cannot be updated past iOS 12 include the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPod touch 6, original iPad Air, iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3.
Apple's support document for the update says the update is only available fo iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation):


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ETA: for any listserv fans. you can get automatic update announcements directly from Apple.
 
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Come on Apple, you are just showing off at this point. This is one area Android devices will never catch up. I believe if Apple wanted, they probably could still support the iPhone 2G to this day. But of course, they are a business.
 
I wonder if they will do anything for devices such as the iPhone 5, whihc is still not classed as obselete. I don't use mine, but it was my first brand new iPhone so it would be good to see an update for those. :)
 
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