Apple release iOS 12 update to keep iMessage, Facetime for older Apple devices

Apple has quietly released a new update for iOS 12 to keep communication features in its older gadgets active.

Under iOS 12.5.8 and iPadOS 12.5.8, services such as iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation will remain working for older Apple devices that can no longer upgrade to newer versions of the operating system.

Gadgets that would benefit from the update include the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th gen). These models are no longer eligible for modern iOS updates. Hence, Apple recommends installing the new update to avoid future service issues and to fix any remaining bugs.

In the update, the certificate for the mentioned features is extended until Feb. 2027, making older devices usable after Jan. 27.

The update comes three years after the last release in January 2023, which updated security for the aforementioned devices.

Currently, the latest Apple devices run on iOS 26, which introduced a new Liquid Glass look and Apple Intelligence features like Live Translation and Visual Intelligence.

iOS 12 was released in 2018, introducing Memoji, Screen Time, Do Not Disturb, and other features.