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Apple Releases iOS 12.4.2 Update for Older iPhones and iPads

Thursday September 26, 2019 11:03 am PDT by Juli Clover
Though iOS 13 has been available for a week now, Apple today released an iOS 12.4.2 update designed for those who are still running versions of iOS 12 on devices that aren't able to be updated to ‌iOS 13‌.

Apple is making iOS 12.4.2 available for the original iPad Air, the ‌iPad‌ mini 2, the ‌iPad‌ mini 3, the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and sixth-generation iPod touch, all of which are not compatible with ‌iOS 13‌.


The iOS 12.4.2 update can be downloaded on eligible devices over the air by opening up the Settings app, selecting the General section, and tapping on Software Update.

It's not clear what's included in iOS 12.4.2, but it is likely a security update that adds important security fixes for older devices that weren't able to get those updates through the newer software. Apple's release notes say the update "includes improvements, provides important security updates, and is recommended for all users."

A security support document provided alongside the update indicates that it fixes a vulnerability that could allow a remote attacker to case unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution.

[ 76 comments ]

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macduke
8 weeks ago


How long do androids get updates?

Enough with the whataboutism. It’s the right thing to do. End of debate.
Rating: 12 Votes
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kyleh22
8 weeks ago
I bet it slows old devices down to encourage users to upgrade their phones. JK, Apple would never do that.
Rating: 8 Votes
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redheeler
8 weeks ago
Is Apple finally going to start issuing security updates for older versions of iOS on devices that are capped? If so, it's about time.
Rating: 6 Votes
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JosephAW
8 weeks ago
Ummm what about newer devices that want to stay on iOS 12?
[automerge]1569520764[/automerge]
Now don't stop signing iOS 12.4.1 because I have to do a DFU install on my 7+
Rating: 4 Votes
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MvdM
8 weeks ago


I bet it slows old devices down to encourage users to upgrade their phones. JK, Apple would never do that.

To improve user experience. You don’t want your iphone to crash at the moment you want to take a picture.
Rating: 4 Votes
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xXRainKingXx
8 weeks ago
Is the purpose of this update to render all iOS 12 devices unusable? ;)
Rating: 4 Votes
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redheeler
8 weeks ago


B-b-b-but planned obsolescence!

Did someone here say "2012 Mac Pro unable to update to MacOS Catalina"? Its only got 12 cores, 32 GB RAM, and an AMD RX 580 graphics card - but sure, no planned obsolescence going on here. ;)
Rating: 4 Votes
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adrianlondon
8 weeks ago
At the moment, you need a phone that doesn't support iOS 13 in order to be presented with this new iOS 12.4.2 version. I guess at some point someone will provide a link to the firmware to download and install the usual way via iTunes/Finder.
Rating: 3 Votes
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thebigfox
8 weeks ago
I wish iOS 12 run on iPhone 5, but it doesn't
Rating: 3 Votes
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redheeler
8 weeks ago


This is nothing new; Apple has released updates for devices stuck on older iOS versions before if there are major security problems, or to keep major features from breaking.

There are a lot of iPhone 6 users out there and it would be irresponsible to leave them vulnerable especially this soon after iOS 13 came out.

I don't recall Apple releasing security updates for a non-current older version of iOS, ever. There was a GPS bugfix update for iOS 9 and 10 released earlier this year, but there wasn't any mention of security fixes in the release notes.

Agreed on the second point. That could be what motivated Apple to change their policy regarding supporting older versions of iOS on capped devices.
Rating: 3 Votes

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