苹果在 2026 年 1 月为多款已停更多年的 iOS 和 iPadOS 版本发布更新，覆盖最早可追溯至 2013 年的设备。更新包括 iOS 12.5.8（支持 iPhone 5S、iPhone 6）、iOS 15.8.6（支持 iPhone 6S、iPhone 7、iPad Air 2）以及 iOS 16.7.13（支持 iPhone 8、iPhone X）。其中，iOS 15 和 iOS 16 上一次更新在 2025 年中，而 iOS 12 的上一轮更新则停留在 2023 年 1 月，间隔长达三年。

这些更新不涉及新功能或漏洞修复，核心作用是更换即将到期的安全证书。苹果说明称，iOS 12 和 iOS 15 的原始证书将在 2027 年 1 月到期，如不更新，iMessage、FaceTime 以及 Apple 账户登录将停止工作。通过证书更新，这些基础服务可继续运行。仍在维护周期内的 iOS 18.7.4 也进行了同样的证书更换，但 iOS 16 的更新说明中未明确提及证书问题，且未为停留在 iOS 17 的设备提供类似更新。

尽管这些旧系统设备在现实中已难以作为通用智能设备使用，许多仅配备 1 至 2GB 内存，浏览器与应用支持严重受限，但它们仍常被作为单一用途设备继续服役。苹果此次对 12 至 13 年前发布的设备进行最低限度维护，延长了其通信能力和基础可用性，体现出在停止全面支持多年后，仍愿意维持关键服务运行的策略。

Apple released updates in January 2026 for several long-retired iOS and iPadOS versions, supporting devices dating back to 2013. The updates include iOS 12.5.8 for devices such as the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6, iOS 15.8.6 for the iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, and iPad Air 2, and iOS 16.7.13 for the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. iOS 15 and iOS 16 were last updated in mid-2025, while iOS 12 had not been patched since January 2023, a gap of about three years.

The updates do not introduce new features or security fixes but instead replace expiring security certificates. Apple stated that certificates for iOS 12 and iOS 15 were set to expire in January 2027, which would have caused iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple account sign-in to stop functioning. Updating the certificates allows these services to continue operating. A similar certificate update appeared in iOS 18.7.4, which is still actively maintained, though iOS 16’s notes did not explicitly mention certificates, and no equivalent update was issued for devices stuck on iOS 17.

While devices running these older systems are largely impractical as general-purpose smartphones due to 1–2GB of RAM and outdated browsers and app support, many remain in use as single-purpose devices. By maintaining core messaging and account services on 12- to 13-year-old hardware, Apple extends basic functionality long after full support has ended, prioritizing continuity of essential services over comprehensive updates.