Apple has released a lifeline for those clinging to their older devices and operating systems. The new updates would address the bugs and security vulnerabilities in older iOS devices, including iOS 12.5.7, macOS 11.7.3, and others.
As per Apple’s latest announcement, the update would cater to users who still need to leap to the latest versions. The updates adhere to bugs found in the recent version of iOS and aim to provide better security and convenience for users still using Apple devices from the last decade.
“Updates you thought you’d never see are important to check up on, especially if you own an older “backup” iPhone that you don’t use every day any more or that you’ve passed on to a less tech-savvy member of your family,” says Paul Ducklin of Naked Security.
According to Apple, the update will fix 14 issues within the iOS ecosystem that previously affected the older generations of iPhones — this relieves iPhone users from the iPhone 5s generation.
Apple updates will fix iPhones, iPads, and Macs
Moreover, the tech giant is not only improving the experience and security measures for iPhone users, but iPadOS and macOS are also getting new updates with better optimizations, features, and convenience.
The versions will roll out soon to all the users, and those who have yet to receive the update prompt can update their devices to the latest version manually. The updated versions include iOS 12.5.7, iOS 15.7.3, iPadOS 15.7.3, macOS Big Sur 11.7.3, and macOS Monterey 12.6.3.
It is highly recommended that users promptly update their devices. The update includes patches for various Apple systems, such as AppleMobileFileIntegrity, curl, Disk Arbitration, DriverKit, Intel Graphics Driver, Maps, Screen Time, and more.
For more information on the specific patches and associated CVE numbers, users can refer to Apple’s support page for the update. Those who have automatic updates enabled can expect the update to install overnight, while those who prefer to update manually can do so by following this step-by-step guide below.
iPhones
- Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network and ensure it is charged or connected to a power source.
- Go to “Settings”.
- Tap “General” and then select “Software Update.”
- The device will check for updates, and a notification will appear to download and install the update if one is available.
- Tap “Download and Install”.
- Enter your passcode or Apple ID password.
- The device will restart and install the update.
iPads
- Connect your iPad to a Wi-Fi network and ensure it is charged or connected to a power source.
- Go to the “Settings” app on your iPad.
- Tap “General” and then select “Software Update.”
- The iPad will check for updates, and if one is available, a notification will appear to download and install the update.
- Tap “Download and Install”.
- Enter your passcode or Apple ID password.
- The iPad will restart and install the update.
Macs
- Connect your Mac to the internet and ensure it is plugged in or has a sufficient battery level.
- Click on the Apple icon (available in the top left corner of the screen)
- Select “System Preferences.”
- Click “Software Update,” and the Mac will check for any available updates.
- Click “Update Now”.
- Enter your admin password.
- The update will begin downloading and installing, and your Mac will restart if necessary.