Apple Releases iOS 12.4.2 Update for Older iPhones and iPads - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Releases iOS 12.4.2 Update for Older iPhones and iPads

Though iOS 13 has been available for a week now, Apple today released an iOS 12.4.2 update designed for those who are still running versions of iOS 12 on devices that aren't able to be updated to iOS 13.

Apple is making iOS 12.4.2 available for the original iPad Air, the iPad mini 2, the ‌iPad mini‌ 3, the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and sixth-generation iPod touch, all of which are not compatible with iOS 13.

ios12banner
The iOS 12.4.2 update can be downloaded on eligible devices over the air by opening up the Settings app, selecting the General section, and tapping on Software Update.

It's not clear what's included in iOS 12.4.2, but it is likely a security update that adds important security fixes for older devices that weren't able to get those updates through the newer software. Apple's release notes say the update "includes improvements, provides important security updates, and is recommended for all users."

A security support document provided alongside the update indicates that it fixes a vulnerability that could allow a remote attacker to case unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution.

Related Forum: iOS 12

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

macduke Avatar
85 months ago

How long do androids get updates?
Enough with the whataboutism. It’s the right thing to do. End of debate.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kyleh22 Avatar
85 months ago
I bet it slows old devices down to encourage users to upgrade their phones. JK, Apple would never do that.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
redheeler Avatar
85 months ago
Is Apple finally going to start issuing security updates for older versions of iOS on devices that are capped? If so, it's about time.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
redheeler Avatar
85 months ago

B-b-b-but planned obsolescence!
Did someone here say "2012 Mac Pro unable to update to MacOS Catalina"? Its only got 12 cores, 32 GB RAM, and an AMD RX 580 graphics card - but sure, no planned obsolescence going on here. ;)
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JosephAW Avatar
85 months ago
Ummm what about newer devices that want to stay on iOS 12?

Now don't stop signing iOS 12.4.1 because I have to do a DFU install on my 7+
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xXRainKingXx Avatar
85 months ago
Is the purpose of this update to render all iOS 12 devices unusable? ;)
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)