Many more Android-based phones were impacted by the Australian emergency call requirements than iPhones. Most devices in service were fixable with software updates (except for a string of Galaxys).
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iPhone 12 Users in Australia Should Update to iOS 26.2, Here's Why
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I believe this problem is due to incompatabilities between different carrier's 4G VoLTE services with early phones. They've recently shutdown 3G here where voice used to just work when you roamed off your native network. Now when you're off your native nextwork old phones need to use VoLTE to make calls and these incompatabilities are showing up for emergency services calls which need to work on foreign networks.
No thanks, Crooky. You're not bricking my phone with a slogged out OS.
DO NOT UPGRADE
In a support document published on Friday, Apple said that a "technical failure" in Australia prevented some older mobile phones from being able to make emergency calls by dialing 000, and it said there is a low chance that it could happen again.
"In the rare event that these exceptional circumstances affecting mobile operators' networks were to happen again, some older mobile phones may still encounter the same issue reaching emergency services through an alternate available network," said Apple. The document does not provide many specific details, but there are some recent news reports about what sounds like a related issue affecting Samsung phones.
Apple said the issue "impacted some Australians in regional areas who attempted to make an emergency call when their primary mobile network was unavailable, even though an alternate network was available and should have connected the call." Apple said "mobile operators are taking steps to mitigate future issues."
For iPhone 12 users specifically, Apple vaguely stated that the iOS 26.2 update released last week "provides support for this scenario."
"iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, and all iPhone models from iPhone 13 and newer are not affected," said Apple. "For iPhone 12 users, iOS 26.2 provides support for this scenario. If it is determined that any earlier iPhone models are impacted, customers will receive additional information and guidance directly from their mobile operator."
To update your iPhone, open the Settings app on the device and tap General → Software Update.
Article Link: iPhone 12 Users in Australia Should Update to iOS 26.2, Here's Why
The 26.2 design is a ****ing nightmare. Added crap details like outlines around stupid apps and controls, replacement of key controls (answering damn FaceTime seems like a three-step click now), it's endless. Remember when Apple used to design the user-interface to make things easier?
Google and Samsung only recently supported for 7 years.
My 5s bought in 2013 got an update in 2023. So it depends.
But eventually iOS 18 support will be frozen for those who can update to iOS 26.
A feature I really like.
Don’t know what you are saying. Answering FaceTime calls is the same as it was in iOS 18.
Apple still does it even though you personally don’t like it.