Apple Releases iOS and iPadOS 12.5.4 Security Fix for Older iPhones and iPads

[MacRumors]

Apple today released new iOS and iPadOS 12.5.4 updates, with the new software aimed at older devices that are unable to run the iOS 14 update that's available on modern devices.

The iOS and iPadOS 12.5.4 updates can be downloaded for free and the software is available on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the new software, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

According to Apple's release notes, iOS 12.5.4 introduces important security updates and is recommended for all users. Apple often releases security updates for older devices that are no longer able to get the current version of iOS in order to keep users protected from malware and other security vulnerabilities.

Apple's security support document says that the update addresses three vulnerabilities that could lead to arbitrary code execution. Two of them that affected WebKit may have been actively exploited. One of these vulnerabilities was fixed in iOS 14.6, and the other two are likely to be addressed in iOS 14.7.


Article Link: Apple Releases iOS and iPadOS 12.5.4 Security Fix for Older iPhones and iPads

 

[dpfenninger]

An appreciated update for my daughter's 1st gen Air.

 

[bsamcash]

This is a happy surprise.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Hmph, Apple’s just forcing people to buy older devices that are unable to receive the iOS 14 update just be be able to get these Security Fixes.

/s

 

[iObama]

Hmph, Apple’s just forcing people to buy older devices that are unable to receive the iOS 14 update just be be able to get these Security Fixes.

/s

To be fair, this was their mode of operation for quite a while. Happy to see this change.

Signed, a K-12 IT guy.

 

[elvisimprsntr]

When was the time Google released an Android updated for an 8+ yo device? Check mate, Google!

 

[bd139]

I’ve never seen an android device last long enough to need an update like this ?

 

[elvisimprsntr]

I’ve never seen an android device last long enough to need an update like this ?

I still have my like new, fully functioning iPhone 4 as a backup.

 

[nvmls]

Thanks Apple.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Good support by Apple.

 

[rocketbuc]

Great. Thank you, Apple! Already running the update process on my iPhone 6 and my wife's iPhone 6 Plus.

 

[P-DogNC]

It’s amazing that Apple still provides 8 year old devices with security updates! Android users are lucky to get 1, maybe 2 years of sporadic updates, and that is only guaranteed for flagship devices, not commodity devices, which are 90+% of all Android devices sold.

 

[JosephAW]

Attention Developers: Apple is still releasing iOS 12 updates so please continue to support iOS devices with your apps. Thank you.

Unlike the bank and insurance apps that throws us under the bus nearly immediately when iOS 13 came out.

 

[FightTheFuture]

When was the time Google released an Android updated for an 8+ yo device? Check mate, Google!

Those android tablets are in landfills at this point.

 

[gotluck]

Bravo Apple

 

[dohspc]

I find the iPad and iPhone picture used for this article misleading as they both can be updated to the latest iOS.

 

[Tubamajuba]

Attention Developers: Apple is still releasing iOS 12 updates so please continue to support iOS devices with your apps. Thank you.

Unlike the bank and insurance apps that throws us under the bus nearly immediately when iOS 13 came out.

I mean, it makes sense for security-conscious apps to drop older versions of iOS as soon as possible. As you point out though, that may change as Apple commits to security updates to older versions of iOS.

 

[Morod]

Great, an update for our 2014 iPad Mini3. Thank you, Apple, for providing these welcome updates. And thank you, MR, for alerting me to one.
Bravo!

 

[now i see it]

iOS 12 will become borderline unusable on the web soon enough and new aops won't run on it soon enough too, so might as well enjoy it while it still is viable because it's days are coming to an end

 

[jeznav]

I've been holding off getting the iPad mini until the rumoured 6th gen comes out. Crazy that my iPad mini 2 is still getting updates.

 

[nexu]

Is there iPadOS 12 though?

 

[WannaGoMac]

Why does Apple provide iOS 12 with updates? Is there some sort of regulation that's forcing the updates?

 

[farewelwilliams]

BUT MacRumors people told me that Apple is screwing customers over by doing planned obsolescence!!!!!!!

 

[farewelwilliams]

Why does Apple provide iOS 12 with updates? Is there some sort of regulation that's forcing the updates?

Because it's the right thing to do.

There's still plenty of iOS 12 users.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Is there any way to get this update if you're on a device that can support iOS 13, but don't want to update?

e.g. We have a few iOS 12 test devices, that should have security updates, but are technically capable of even the iOS 15 betas.