Apple releases surprise updates for old iPhones and iPads

On January 26, 2026, Apple unexpectedly released software updates for older iPhone and iPad models. The focus is on iOS 12.5.8, which was specifically developed for devices released over a decade ago. For example, the iPhone 5s (released in 2013, support ended in 2019) or the 6th generation iPod Touch (released in 2015). What's going on here?

System update renews security certificates until 2027

The primary reason for releasing these updates is technical: it is simply a certificate renewal. Digital security certificates are essential for encrypted communication between the device and Apple's servers. Without this patch, key services such as iMessage and FaceTime, as well as general device activation, would cease to function in the future. Installing these system updates ensures the continued functionality of these core services beyond this period.

These iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches are getting an update:

• iOS 12.5.8: for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus
• iPadOS 12.5.8: for iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3 and iPod touch (6th generation)
• iOS 15.8.6: for iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE (1st generation)
• iPadOS 15.8.6: 15.8.6: for iPad Air 2, iPad mini (4. Generation) and iPod touch (7th generation)
• iOS 16.7.13: for iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X
• iPadOS 16.7.13: for iPad (5. Generation), iPad Pro (9,7") and iPad Pro (12,9", 1st generation)
• iOS 18.7.4: for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR
• iPadOS 18.7.4: for iPad Pro (13″), iPad Pro (12,9″, 3rd generation and later), iPad Pro (11″, 1st generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (7th generation and later) and iPad mini (5th generation and later)

These measures complement the release of iOS 26.2.1, which is the current operating system for iPhones and iPads. The system updates for older devices do not include any security-related fixes; the focus here is on maintaining connectivity. Accordingly, no new features are added, and the lack of security updates makes secure internet browsing partially impossible.