Security update for old devices: Installation of iOS 12.5.6 is recommended

If you're using an older iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you might be running iOS 12 as the operating system. This system, which has actually been outdated for a few years, received an update this week to close critical security gaps. Similar to the updates for the newer systems from almost two weeks ago, security gaps in the kernel and WebKit have been eliminated. You can find the update to iOS 12.5.6 in the iOS settings under General -> Software update.

Update to iOS 12.5.6 for older Apple mobile devices

The iPhone, iPad and iPod touch operating system iOS 12 was launched in 2018 with the iPhone Xs and iPhone XR. However, newer versions can also be installed on these models of Apple smartphones. The new update is therefore primarily aimed at older iPhones, such as the iPhone 5s, iPhone SE (1st gen) and iPhone 6 versions. The system continues to run as the last compatible version on the iPod touch 6, the iPad Air, iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3. All of these devices are now getting the iOS 12.5.6 update to fix kernel and WebKit vulnerabilities. So if you still actively use the devices for surfing the Internet, for apps and other online services, you should install it.

Updates for the current systems: iOS, iPadOS, macOS and Safari

In mid-August, I pointed out very similar updates for the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch 7 and Mac. Because for these there was iOS 15.6.1, iPadOS 15.6.1 and macOS 12.5.1. These updates also closed the security gaps mentioned, which at this point were apparently already being exploited by criminals. Details about these updates you can find here. A day later, I alerted you to the Safari 15.6.1 update that was released for macOS 11 Big Sur and macOS 10.15 Catalina to fix the WebKit vulnerability that could have let malware in. You can find more information about this with this link.

Sources: 1, 2

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.