Apple is patching older versions of iOS to keep iMessage and FaceTime running

When Apple stops Support the elderly iPhone and iPads With the latest version of iOS or iPadOSthis usually isn’t the end of the line – Apple only continues to release new security patches for these devices for another year or two, keeping them usable while their devices are still reasonably capable.

Once these updates are out, it’s rare for Apple to revisit these older operating systems, but the company does occasionally make exceptions.

That was the case on Monday, when the company released a batch of updates for long-discontinued versions of iOS and iPadOS that haven’t seen a new patch in months or years. These updates include iOS 12.5.8, available for older devices such as the 2013 iPhone 5S and 2014 iPhone 6; iOS 15.8.6, available for devices like iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, and iPad Air 2; And iOS 16.7.13, available for devices like iPhone 8 and iPhone

Both iOS 15 and iOS 16 were last patched in mid-2025, but the last patch for iOS 12 was released in January of 2023.

These updates do not correct security flaws or add new features. According to Apple’s release notes for iOS 12 and iOS 15 updatesAll they’re doing is updating a security certificate to ensure that your iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple account login will continue to work after January 2027, when the original certificate for the operating systems expires.

Apple’s iOS 18.7.4 update also changes the certification, though this update is less surprising, since iOS 18 is still actively being patched for the iPhone

It’s difficult, if not impossible, to use devices running older iOS versions like iOS 12, 15, and 16 as general-purpose smartphones and tablets these days. Many of these devices have only 1 or 2 GB of RAM, and their built-in Safari browsers will miss the features and security patches needed to safely browse the modern web. Third-party apps also often stop supporting older iOS versions after a year or two.

But many older iPhones and iPads are finding a second or third life as disposable devices and simple messaging devices. Until just a couple of years ago, it was my own thing iPhone 5s Serves as a white noise machine for kids on overnight flights. I wouldn’t call these 12- or 13-year-old phones and tablets “actively supported,” but it’s nice to see Apple committing to keeping them minimally functional over this extended period.

This story originally appeared on Ars Technica.