Apple just dropped the latest iOS 26.3 beta and introduced a new feature that allows users to limit how closely carriers can track their location. Additionally, the company has quietly released an update to a handful of older iPhone, iPad and iPod touch models, providing a major upgrade that could keep them out of the landfill for a little longer.
According to 9to5Mac, the company is rolling out iOS 12.5.8 and iPadOS 12.5.8 for some older devices, including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation). The update brings an extension for a system certificate that expires in January 2027.
Without this update, key features such as iMessage, FaceTime, and even basic device activation would have stopped working on these devices after the certificate expired. Apple’s release notes say that after installing the update, users should continue to be able to use these features beyond January 2027.
Apple is breathing new life into decades-old devices
The update is a welcome surprise for anyone who still relies on one of these devices as a backup or simply doesn’t want to throw it away. That’s unusual in an industry where most smartphones only receive three or four years of comprehensive software support before features fail or disappear altogether. In this case, Apple is pushing for critical support for devices that are 12 or 13 years old.
While there is no sign that Apple plans to offer further updates to these devices, this certificate extension will keep their core services running a little longer. For anyone still using these older models for texting, calling, or basic connectivity, it’s a good idea to install the update to ensure that iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation continue to work smoothly.
