If you still use an iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, or iPhone 6 Plus, and you have a device running iOS 12, Apple has an important update for you.
Apple decided not to update certain older iPhone models, but it still provides support for them. As a result, some iPhones and iPads will receive iOS 12.5.4. All users are advised to download the new update, which adds important security updates.
This update fixes three vulnerabilities that have the potential to be exploited, including memory corruption and WebKit. These devices include iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, iPad mini 2, iPad Air, and iPod touch (6th generation).
Also Read: Apple WWDC 2021 Latest News
Apple has released iOS 12.5.4
In the release note, Apple asks all users of the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad Air, and iPod touch to upgrade to iOS 12.5.4. The update consists of important security updates and is recommended for all users, Apple states.
In addition, Apple did not release iOS 13 for the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, or others, but continued to release updates to fix vulnerabilities found in WebKit.
Apple has discovered that two of the three WebKit vulnerabilities were exploited to the fullest extent possible. Apple is aware of reports that this issue may have been actively exploited by using maliciously crafted web content.
So basically, if you own any of the old Apple devices listed above, you need to update your device immediately.
Update your iPhone by going to Settings, tapping General, and then Software update. You may need to free up some space to accommodate the new iOS.
It is hard to believe that people still own iPhone 5s, 6 and other old models that are about seven or eight years old. In 2020, DeviceAtlas reported that 5.3% of users owned an iPhone 6, and over 1.55% of users owned an iPhone 5S or iPhone 6 Plus. Some people still cherish old things, so it is safe to say old is gold.
It is interesting to note that the iOS 15 will be released to around twenty iPhone models, including the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE first generation.
While old phones could be updated to iOS 15, many of the features available for newer iPhone models would not be available to old phones. This may be primarily due to the limitations of the hardware.
Also Read: Indian Developer wins Apple design award
What’s new in iOS 12.5.4?
In its iOS 12.5.4 security update website, Apple explains what’s new in iOS 12.5.4, which includes:
Security
The app is compatible with the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation).
This could lead to the execution of arbitrary code on a compromised computer
This vulnerability was addressed by removing vulnerable code from the ASN.1 decoder.
CVE-2021-30737: xerub
WebKit
The app is compatible with the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation).
The process of examining malicious web content may lead to the execution of arbitrary code. Reports indicate that this vulnerability has been actively exploited.
Improvements were made to state management, preventing memory corruption.
CVE-2021-30761: an anonymous researcher
WebKit
It is compatible with iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 as well as iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation).
The process of examining malicious web content may lead to the execution of arbitrary code. Apple has received reports that this issue was exploited actively.
Improvements were made to memory management to address a use-after-free issue.
CVE-2021-30762: an anonymous researcher
We’ll update you with more information as soon as we discover any new features in iOS 12.5.4. If you notice any differences on these older devices, let us know in the comments. By clicking Settings, then General, and finally Software Update, you can update.