iPhone 12 Users in Australia Should Update to iOS 26.2, Here's Why

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.

Purple iPhone 12 Mini
"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.

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Top Rated Comments

sw1tcher Avatar
3 hours ago at 09:39 am
iPhone 12 Users in Australia Should Update to iOS 26.2
It's a trap!

Apple so desperate to get people to upgrade to iOS 26

https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/02/apple-pushes-ios-18-users-to-ios-26/
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
3 hours ago at 09:28 am
Eh...This seems bit fishy. I wouldn't do it, if I still owned a 12.


What other company actively provides software support for 6 year old models?
Google and Samsung both do 7 years.

My wife's Pixel 2, bought in 2017, was still getting security and core Google app updates (browser, mail, play store, etc.) as of last year. No OS updates, though.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
aidler Avatar
3 hours ago at 09:34 am
Sometimes it is really hard not to be a conspiracy theorist.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Tig_one Avatar
3 hours ago at 09:58 am
Not touching 26. Nice try though.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
urtules Avatar
3 hours ago at 09:54 am
Or install 18.7.3 with beta profile.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DBZmusicboy01 Avatar
3 hours ago at 09:43 am
Seems very fishy ?
Sounds like ForcedUpdateGate
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)