Apple releases new iOS 12 and 15 versions for phones launched 10 years ago

Over the past few years, Apple has started offering security updates for older devices, even if they are out of the official support period for the latest iOS versions. Even though we’re already at iOS version 16.3, Apple also simultaneously released an update that fewer people know about: iOS 12.5.7, which is compatible with older phones, including the iPhone 5S. Alongside this iOS, several other versions of iOS, iPadOS and macOS for computers that aren’t on the latest software release have also been released.

iPhone 5S, released in 2013, gets iOS 12.5.7

Apple is reportedly fixing a recently discovered vulnerability in WebKit, the engine behind the Safari browser. WebKit is used by both the browser and all other apps that integrate an internal browser, as well as browsers from independent iOS developers, including Google Chrome.

This ensures that even those who have not yet upgraded to a newer generation Mac phone, tablet or computer with active software support will still be protected from attacks using this vulnerability.

iOS 12.5.7 is compatible with phones like the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6, and tablets like the iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, Mini 3 and iPod Touch 6, while iOS 15.7.3 and iPadOS 15.7.3 are available for models like the iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, iPhone SE and tablets like the iPad Air 2, Mini 4 and iPod Touch 7, which remained on last year’s list of models without updates.

For older Mac computers, macOS Big Sur 11.7.3 and macOS Monterey 12.6.3 were released. macOS is currently at version Monterey 13.2 and works on all 2013 Mac Pro models, 2014 Mac Mini, 2015 iMac, Macbook Air and Macbook Pro, 2017 iMac Pro and 2016 and newer 12″ MacBook models.