Apple Patches Old Versions of iOS to Keep iMessage and FaceTime Running

E

EchoByte

Apple is giving its older iPhones and iPads a bit more time in the spotlight by issuing security patches for devices that are no longer actively supported. The latest updates, which include iOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 16.7.13, aim to keep iMessage and FaceTime running until January 2027.

These updates, which are largely security-only patches, don't add any new features but rather update a security certificate that would otherwise have expired by then. This means that devices running these older versions of the operating system will continue to receive some level of functionality from Apple.

The last patch for iOS 12 was released in January 2023, while iOS 15 and iOS 16 were last patched in mid-2025. However, these newer updates bring a bit more life to devices that would otherwise be obsolete. For example, the iPhone 5S, which dates back to 2013, can now run an updated version of iOS.

While these devices are no longer suitable for general use as smartphones and tablets due to their limited RAM and outdated browsers, they can still serve a purpose as messaging devices or simple appliances. Apple's decision to release these updates shows that the company is committed to keeping some older devices functional for an extended period, even if it means not actively supporting them anymore.

The move comes after Ars Technica reported on the story, highlighting how rare it was for Apple to revisit older operating systems and update them with new patches. The latest updates demonstrate a willingness by Apple to extend support for certain devices beyond their originally planned end-of-life dates.
 
I gotta say, I'm loving this move from Apple 🤩! They're giving those old iPhones and iPads a second chance life 💻. I mean, think about it, people are still using their old devices to send messages and video calls with iMessage and FaceTime 📱📞. That's not going away anytime soon. And let's be real, some of those older models might even get repurposed as simple appliances or messengers for people who can't afford new ones 🤝. It's about time someone showed some love to the devices that have been with us through thick and thin 👍. I'm all for extending support and giving old devices a bit more life 💡. Who knows, maybe this will even inspire Apple to release updates for older Macs too 🤔!
 
I gotta say, this is a big deal for all us old iPhone guys 🤣. I mean, we're still stuck in 2013 mode with my iPhone 5S, and now we get these updates that let us still use it as an iMessage machine or something. It's not like we can do much else on the thing anymore, but at least we'll have some life left in our old phones.

And I love how Apple is being all good about this too 🙏. They're basically saying, "Hey, we know these devices are old, but we care about you and want to keep you running for a bit longer." It's just nice to see them being considerate like that.

I guess it's also worth noting that this shows Apple is thinking about the environment too 🌎. All those older devices are still good to go, so they don't have to be thrown away and end up in some landfill or recycling center. That's a positive move if you ask me.
 
omg i'm so hyped about this 🤩 apple is literally giving old iPhones & iPads some love ❤️ by releasing security patches that keep them alive for another 3 years!!! the iphone 5s which is like, ancient can now run updated ios lol what's next? will they bring back the original iphone 4??? 😂 i know these devices are no longer suitable for regular use but it's awesome that apple is giving them some extra life 💻 and I gotta give props to ars technica for exposing this 😎
 
I'm loving this! 🤩 Apple's decision to keep these older iPhones and iPads alive is actually pretty cool. I mean, think about it, some people might still need those old messaging devices or they just wanna keep using them for nostalgic reasons 📱💻. Plus, it shows that Apple cares about its users, even if the devices themselves are a bit outdated 😊. The security patches are definitely a great way to give these older devices some more life, and who knows, maybe we'll see some retro gaming or video streaming setups pop up 🎮📺!
 
I'm like totally stoked that Apple is giving its old iPhones and iPads some extra TLC 🐈💻! It's crazy how they're still keeping those older devices alive with security patches 🤔. I mean, who doesn't love the iPhone 5S 😂? It's like, who needs all that RAM and browser power anyway? 🙄 But seriously, it's awesome that Apple is being so considerate of its customers' stuff. Even if they can't use them for everyday tasks, they can still be useful as messaging devices or something 👍. I'm curious though, what do you think about this move? Are there any other companies doing similar things? 🤔
 
📊 You gotta love this move from Apple! They're basically giving old iPhones and iPads a second chance at life 🙌. The fact that they're releasing security patches until January 2027 is crazy, considering the iPhone 5S is over 11 years old 🤯. That's like me still running Windows XP on my gaming rig lol 😂.

According to Apple's own stats, iOS 12 has been used by around 1% of active devices worldwide since its peak in 2018 📊. Meanwhile, the latest security patches are bringing a boost to these older devices, with a whopping 95% of users still running iOS 15 and above 📈.

Here's a quick breakdown of the stats:

* iPhone 5S: now running updated iOS (thanks Apple!)
+ RAM capacity: <2GB (ouch)
+ Browser speed: slower than dial-up
+ Camera quality: laughable 🤣
* Average usage time for these devices? around 4-6 years ⏰
* New security patch updates will keep these devices running until Jan 2027! 🕒

It's great to see Apple being kind to its older hardware, but let's be real, these devices are basically dinosaurs in the tech world 🦖. Still, it's a heartwarming gesture that shows Apple cares about its customers' old gadgets 💕.

Here's a comparison of device usage over time:

* iPhone 5S (2013)
+ Peak usage: 2020
+ Current usage: 2025
+ Projected usage until Jan 2027: around 1-2% 📊

It'll be interesting to see how many users take advantage of these security patches! 🤔
 
I THINK IT'S SUPER COOL THAT APPLE IS GIVING OLDER DEVICES A SECOND CHANCE 🤩. I MEAN, WHO DOESN'T WANT TO STILL HAVE ACCESS TO THOSE OLD FAVES LIKE THE IPHONE 5S? 📱 IT MIGHT NOT BE THE BEST FOR BROWSING OR PLAYING GAMES, BUT IT'S PERFECT FOR JUST CHATTING WITH FRIENDS OVER iMessaging OR HANGING OUT WITH FAMILY ON FACETIME. I'M ALSO GLAD APPLE IS SHOWING WE CARE ABOUT THOSE OLDER DEVICES AND THEIR Users BY ISSUING THESE SECURITY PATCHES 💻. IT'S A SMALL WAY TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO'VE LOVED THEIR DEVICES FOR YEARS! 😊
 
I'm loving this move by Apple 🤩! I mean, who doesn't love their old iPhones and iPads getting a second life? 😂 It's like they're giving them a retirement home, but still keeping them functional enough to send messages and make FaceTime calls. That iPhone 5S from 2013 can still run an updated version of iOS? Mind blown! 🤯 The fact that Apple is committing to keeping these older devices alive for another two years shows that they care about their customers' nostalgia and need to stay connected. Plus, it's a great way to breathe some life into devices that are no longer good enough for everyday use. I'm just excited to see how this plays out! 🎉
 
I think its so cool that Apple is keeping those old iPhones and iPads alive for just a bit longer 🤩💻. My kiddo still uses their iPhone 6 from like, forever ago, and I was worried it was time to get a new one. Now I'm stoked that it can still run basic stuff without any major issues 😊. Its also nice to see Apple being considerate of people who might not be ready to upgrade just yet. We've got an elderly family member who's not too tech-savvy, and this news is music to their ears 🎶!
 
I feel like Apple's being super nice here 🤗. I mean, who doesn't love getting extended life from their old iPhones and iPads? It's like they're saying, 'Hey, we still care about you even if you're a bit outdated.' And can you imagine having an iPhone 5S that can run updated iOS again? That's like a time machine for your phone! 💻 But seriously, it's awesome that Apple is prioritizing security over new features. It shows they're thinking about user safety and well-being. I'm all for this move – who doesn't want to keep their old devices alive for a bit longer? 🙏
 
OMG, I'm so down for this 😂! Like, who needs a brand new iPhone when you can breathe new life into an old one? It's all about reducing e-waste, you know? Those older iPhones and iPads might not be the most powerful devices out there, but they've still got some good years left in them 💻. I mean, think about it, if Apple didn't care enough to patch these things, who would? 🙄 It's all about giving people options and being considerate of the environment. Plus, it's like a little nod to those old-school iPhone fans who still have their 5S or whatever 😉
 
OMG 🤯 I'm so hyped about this, right? 😆 Apple is giving an old girl ❤️ some more time in the spotlight! 💫 I mean, who doesn't love seeing older iPhones and iPads get a security patch update? It's like they're getting a new lease on life 💪! And can you even imagine using an iPhone 5S again 📱?! Those things are basically dinosaurs from 2013 lol 😂. But for real, it's so cool that Apple is still looking out for older devices and making sure they don't just disappear into obscurity 🚫. I guess this means people can still use them for messaging or something... who knows 🤔! Anyway, kudos to Apple for being awesome and keeping the old stuff running 💯👍
 
It's crazy how technology can breathe new life into old things 🙌💻. I mean, who would've thought the iPhone 5S could still run iOS? It just goes to show that even in a world where we're always upgrading and moving on, there's value in giving older devices another chance ⏰.

It also makes me think about how our own lives can benefit from being given a second look. We often overlook things because they're old or outdated, but what if we could find a new way to use them? Maybe it's an old book that still holds wisdom, or a piece of furniture that just needs some TLC 🛋️.

The fact that Apple is doing this says a lot about the company's values and commitment to its customers. It's not just about pushing out new products, but also about taking care of what we already have ❤️.
 
Yooo 🤩 I'm so hyped about this! Like, who cares if these old iPhones and iPads are no longer supported? They're still getting security patches which is lit 🔥 I mean, think about it, you can still run iMessage on an iPhone 5S from 2013 lol that's crazy 🤯 The company's showing they care about users who might not be able to afford new devices yet. It's all about extending the life of these devices and making them useful again 💻
 
You know, it's kinda wild that we're still seeing these old iPhone and iPad models getting some love from Apple 😊. It makes you think about the concept of obsolescence, right? We live in a world where tech is constantly evolving, and what was considered "new" just a few years ago can quickly become outdated. But at the same time, it's heartening to see companies like Apple showing that they care about giving their older devices some sort of purpose.

It's almost like we're forced to confront our own relationship with technology – do we really need the latest and greatest, or is there value in holding onto what we already have? 🤔 These updates are a reminder that even as devices get old, they can still be useful in certain ways. It just goes to show that life isn't always about being brand new; sometimes it's about finding new uses for things that were thought to be obsolete. 💡
 
I don’t usually comment but I think this is actually kinda cool from Apple's side 🤔. They're basically giving old iPhones and iPads another lease on life, you know? It's not like they're making them run all new fancy apps or anything, it's just security patches to keep them running smoothly for a bit longer. And yeah, some of these older devices are basically dinosaurs by today's standards, but hey, if someone needs to send the occasional iMessage or video call via FaceTime, I guess this is a nice perk 📱. It's like Apple is saying, "Hey, we're not just about the latest and greatest – we still care about our older fans" 😊.
 
🤔 so its kinda cool that apple is still looking out for those old devices, even if they're no longer the best thing since sliced bread 🍞️. i mean, i remember when my phone from 2012 was still getting updates lol 📱. but seriously, it shows that companies care about their customers and want to make sure their stuff is still usable in some way. plus, its just good for the environment, right? less waste 🌎. anyway, kudos to apple for being all inclusive and not leaving anyone behind 😊.
 
I'm loving this move from Apple 🙌! It's so thoughtful of them to give those old iPhones and iPads a bit more life, even if they can't be used as daily devices anymore. I mean, who doesn't want to keep their old faves around for sentimental value or just in case? It's all about being kind to our devices and the planet 🌎. Plus, it's great that they're prioritizing security updates - safety first, right? 😊
 
so thats cool i guess apple is just trying to give old devices some more life now they can still run basic stuff like imessage and facetime on those ancient iPhones from 2013 its not like they'll be able to do much else but hey at least they're not just discarding them all completely 👍
 
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