iOS 12.5.6 rolling out to older iPhone and iPad devices with important security fixes

Avatar for Chance Miller

Apple has a new software update coming for older iPhone and iPad devices. iOS 12.5.6 is rolling out now to iPhone and iPad devices that aren’t capable of running iOS 13 or newer. Head below for the details on this update and how to install it.

The update is available for the iPad Air, the iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3, as well as the 6th gen iPod touch, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. All of these devices were dropped from support with iOS 13, but Apple has continued to update them with important security fixes since then. This marks the first time Apple has released a new version of iOS 12 since last September.

You can update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 12.5.6 by heading to the Settings app, choosing General, and picking “Software Update.” The update might take a few minutes to show up on your device as Apple begins the rollout process. The build number for the update is 16H71.

The iOS 12.5.6 update likely address two major security vulnerabilities that Apple patched earlier this month with the release of iOS 15.6.1 . The company is now extending these fixes to those older iPhone and iPad models. “This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users,” Apple says.

Both of these vulnerabilities were executed in the wild , according to Apple. The first vulnerability could have allowed an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

The second vulnerability was in WebKit, the browser engine that powers Safari and all third-party browsers on iOS. For this vulnerability, Apple says that “processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.” 

If you spot any other change in the iOS 12.5.6 release, let us know in the comments below or on  Twitter @9to5Mac .

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About the security content of iOS 12.5.6

This document describes the security content of iOS 12.5.6.

About Apple security updates

For our customers' protection, Apple doesn't disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are available. Recent releases are listed on the Apple security updates page.

Apple security documents reference vulnerabilities by CVE-ID when possible.

For more information about security, see the Apple Product Security page.

iOS 12 is not impacted by CVE-2022-32894.

Available for: iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation)

Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.

Description: An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking.

CVE-2022-32893: an anonymous researcher

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

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Apple Releases iOS 12.5.6 Update for Older iPhones and iPads With Vulnerability Fixes

Apple today released an iOS 12.5.6 update for older iPhone , iPod touch, and iPad models that are not able to run the current version of iOS, iOS 15.

iphone6plus

The iOS 12.5.6 update fixes a major vulnerability that was actively exploited, so it's worth updating right away if you have an older device. The WebKit vulnerability was already fixed in the iOS 15.6.1 , iPadOS 15.6.1 , and macOS Monterey 12.5.1 updates .

Devices that cannot be updated past iOS 12 include the ‌iPhone‌ 5s, ‌iPhone‌ 6, ‌iPhone‌ 6 Plus, iPod touch 6, original iPad Air , iPad mini 2, and ‌iPad mini‌ 3.

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If you have an iPhone 5S or 6, it’s time for a rare iOS update

It contains an important security fix.

By Mitchell Clark

Share this story

Image of a gold iPhone 5s laying on a table.

Almost a year after the last update , Apple released a new version of iOS 12 on Wednesday, meant to patch a security hole that was recently fixed in newer versions of the OS . If you’re still using an iPhone 5S or an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, it’s worth taking the time to update — Apple obviously doesn’t release security updates for its older software that often, so when it does, you know it’s a reasonably serious issue.

The vulnerability fixed by iOS 12.5.6 is one that could let a malicious website run unchecked code on your phone if you open it in Safari or another browser. What’s more, Apple says it’s possible someone out in the world has tried to use this exploit. While this type of warning isn’t a reason to panic — it’s relatively common for the company — it does mean that you should probably exercise a bit of caution until you update your phone.

You can download and install the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update . If your phone warns you that you don’t have enough storage to install the update, you can follow our guide on how to free up storage — some of the screens may look a bit different, but the basics will mostly be the same.

The update’s also available for a few other devices, too, such as the original iPad Air, the iPad Mini 2 and 3, and the sixth-gen iPod Touch. If you have any of those floating around, it’s probably a good idea to take some time today and update them.

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A very important iOS update just arrived for the iPhone 6

Jason Cross

If you have an iPhone 6s or newer, your phone is compatible with iOS 15 and you should have the latest version, iOS 15.6.1 . Likewise, if you have a 5th-generation iPad, 4th-generation iPad mini, or 4th-generation iPad Air, you should have already installed iPadOS 15.6.1.

But those with iPhones and iPads older than that are stuck on iOS 12, which doesn’t get regular updates. Every so often, though, Apple issues an update to this years-old operating system with critical security fixes. Some security issues are so important that it’s urgent to get them out, even to the few users still hanging on to iPhones or iPads from more than six years ago.

Well, iOS 12.5.6 is just such a release . It features a fix for the same critical WebKit vulnerability that was fixed in iOS and iPadOS 15.6.1:

Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.

WebKit is the browser engine used by Safari and all other web browsers on iPhone and iPad, and this is a particularly nasty security vulnerability–and one that may have been exploited in the wild already.

So if you have an older iPhone or iPad that’s stuck on iOS 12, open the Settings app and head to General > Software Update to download iOS 12.5.6 today.

Author: Jason Cross , Senior Editor, Macworld

ios 12.5.6 safari version

Jason has written about technology for more than 25 years - first in the gaming press, then focusing on enthusiast PCs and general technology. He enjoys learning how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.

Recent stories by Jason Cross:

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OS X Daily

Tips & Tricks

Troubleshooting, ios 12.5.6 update released for older iphones & ipads with important security fix.

Prepare for iOS 12 update

Apple has issued an important security update to older model iPhones and iPads that are not able to run the latest iOS 15 operating system.

iOS 12.5.6 includes important security patches, and should be installed on any older model device that is eligible to receive the update, and that can not install iOS 15.6.1 , which includes the same vulnerability fix.

The iOS 12.5.6 software update should be available for iPhone‌ 6, ‌iPhone‌ 6 Plus, ‌iPhone‌ 5s, ‌iPod touch 6th gen, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, and ‌iPad mini‌ 3.

Many people continue to use these older devices, particularly the older model iPhones, making this a welcome security update for those widely deployed devices.

How to Download & Update to iOS 12.5.6

As always, be sure to backup the iPhone to iCloud , Finder, or iTunes before installing system software updates. This allows you to restore your device if something goes wrong.

  • Open the “Settings” app on iPhone, iPod touch or iPad
  • Go to “General”
  • Choose “Software Update”
  • Select to “Download and Install” the iOS 12.5.6 update

Again, this update will only appear on older iPhone models that are not able to run anything past iOS 12, including iPhone‌ 6, ‌iPhone‌ 6 Plus, iPhone‌ 5s, ‌iPod touch 6th gen, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, and ‌iPad mini‌ 3.

Users can also choose to download and install the iOS 12.5.6 update onto an eligible device by using a computer with iTunes or Finder, or by using IPSW firmware files from Apple.

iOS 12.5.6 IPSW Download Links

  • Updating…

iOS 12.5.6 Security Release Notes

Release notes on the Apple website for the update are security specific, identifying the same security flaw that was patched in iOS 15.6.1, iPadOS 15.6.1, and macOS 12.5.1.

iOS 12.5.6 iOS 12 is not impacted by CVE-2022-32894. Released August 31, 2022 WebKit Available for: iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation) Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited. Description: An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. WebKit Bugzilla: 243557 CVE-2022-32893: an anonymous researcher

No new features or changes are otherwise expected.

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Related articles:

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Re iOS update for older phones.

My old iPhone 5s is stuck on iOS 10. Is there a way to upgrade past 10 ?

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Apple Releases iOS 12.5.6 Update for Older iPads and iPhones to Fix Vulnerability

Nick deCourville

Apple has released an iOS 12.5.6 update for older iPhone, iPod touch and iPad models that are unable to run the current version of iOS, which is iOS 15 as of now.

The iOS 12.5.6 update is actually incredibly important for users, as it fixes a vulnerability that was seeing exploitation.

Apple Brings iOS Update to Older iPhones and iPads to Fix Vulnerability

Older model iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads are receiving a new update if they are unable to get the iOS 15 update. This is due to a vulnerability exploiting the devices.

According to Apple, the vulnerability, known as CVE-2022-32894 , is capable of “processing maliciously crafted web content [that] may lead to arbitrary code execution”. According to the official Apple Support page, the company is aware of a report that the issue may have seen active exploitation.

To protect user’s safety, Apple claims that it will not disclose, discuss or confirm security issues, “until an investigation has occurred and patchers or releases are available.” Additionally, users can also view recent releases through Apple’s security updates page.

Those that are using an older Apple device may want to update right away. Additionally, the WebKit vulnerability has already seen a fix in iOS 15.1, iPadOS 16.6.1, and macOS Monterey 12.5.1 update s.

This new 12.5.6 update is available for: iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3 and iPod touch (6th generation).

Keeping Up to Date

As always, it is best to keep you devices as up to date as possible. The best suggestion is to always make sure that Automatic Updates are enabled. Users can do this by going to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates . Of course, you can also check for software updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update .

Concerning iOS and iPad OS, it is highly likely that we will see iOS 16 arriving this month , with iPadOS making its arrival sometime in mid-October. According to reports, iPadOS 16 is seeing a delay due to Apple wanting to make tweaks to the newly arriving Stage Manager feature . Apple is also looking to fix other bugs and issues.

Are you or someone you know using an older Apple device? Do you plan on updating it to 12.5.6? Let us know in the comments.

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COMMENTS

  1. iOS 12.5.6 rolling out to older iPhone and iPad devices with ...

    Apple has a new software update coming for older iPhone and iPad devices. iOS 12.5.6 is rolling out now to iPhone and iPad devices that aren’t capable of running iOS 13 or newer.

  2. About iOS 12 Updates - Apple Support

    About iOS 12 Updates. iOS 12 brings performance improvements and exciting new features to iPhone and iPad. Photos introduces new features to help you rediscover and share the photos in your library, Memoji—a new, more customizable Animoji—make Messages more expressive and fun, Screen Time helps you and your family understand and make the ...

  3. About the security content of iOS 12.5.6 - Apple Support

    Recent releases are listed on the Apple security updates page. Apple security documents reference vulnerabilities by CVE-ID when possible. For more information about security, see the Apple Product Security page.

  4. Apple Releases iOS 12.5.6 Update for Older iPhones and iPads ...

    Apple today released an iOS 12.5.6 update for older iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad models that are not able to run the current version of iOS, iOS 15. The update can be downloaded...

  5. If you have an iPhone 5S or 6, it’s time for a rare iOS update

    The vulnerability fixed by iOS 12.5.6 is one that could let a malicious website run unchecked code on your phone if you open it in Safari or another browser. What’s more, Apple says it’s...

  6. Apple releases iOS 12.5.6 for older iPhones, iPads - Macworld

    So if you have an older iPhone or iPad that’s stuck on iOS 12, open the Settings app and head to General > Software Update to download iOS 12.5.6 today.

  7. iOS 12.5.6 Update Released for Older iPhones & iPads with ...

    iOS 12.5.6 includes important security patches, and should be installed on any older model device that is eligible to receive the update, and that can not install iOS 15.6.1, which includes the same vulnerability fix.

  8. iOS 12.5.6 Download Released for Older iPhones and iPads

    Apple has released iOS 12.5.6 for older iPhone and iPad users on Wednesday, including iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation). You can update your older devices by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

  9. Apple Releases iOS 12.5.6 Update for Older iPads and iPhones ...

    Apple has released an iOS 12.5.6 update for older iPhone, iPod touch and iPad models that are unable to run the current version of iOS, which is iOS 15 as of now. The iOS 12.5.6 update is...

  10. Apple iOS 12.5.6 Security Update Released For Older iPads ...

    Apple has pushed an emergency update to millions of older iPads and iPhones worldwide. iOS 12.5.6 is the first update to iOS 12 in almost a year and patches a critical security flaw, which Apple...