The day of Monday, January 26 was full of surprises on the Cupertino side. Without anyone really expecting it, Apple launched a new version of AirTags. The small white tracker has many improvements, particularly in terms of autonomy and the range of use of the device. Apple has also signed a partnership with many airlines to make it easier to find lost luggage during a flight.
iOS 12 in the spotlight
But the launch of these AirTag 2 is not the only news of the day from Cupertino. The developers at Apple Park have set to work on another subject: iOS 12. If we often talk about iOS on this site, it is generally to mention iOS 26 (the version in use) or even iOS 27 (the one which should arrive this year) but rarely to discuss the fate of Apple’s other software services.
However, this Monday, it was iOS 12 which was in the spotlight. The system has had the right to an update. With iOS 12.5.8, Apple is reviewing its lines of code for older versions of the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Launched in September 2018, this version of iOS had not been updated for several years. Designed for the iPhone XS, it worked with old iPhones, up to the iPhone 5S. Another era.
Why an update now?
To tell the truth, Apple often updates older versions of iOS. This helps prevent software flaws and cyberattacks. But strangely enough, here the apple goes much further. With iOS 12.5.8 it touches on another key point: the certificate of use.
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All iPhones have an expiration date, at least on the software side. Basic services like iMessage or FaceTime stop working after a while. On these old iPhones, Apple had planned to end their use in January 2027. With the update to iOS 12 (5.8), Apple is backtracking and pushing back this fateful date.
By: Keleops AG
