Apple: Important iOS update for iPhone 5S and 6 released

After a maximum of seven years, Apple devices no longer receive any new software versions, although all new features can no longer be used on iPhones that are five years old. With this generous update policy, the company from Cupertino was unique in the smartphone and tablet sector for a long time. In the meantime, some competitors have also caught up, so Samsung offers an update promise that the new Galaxy smartphones will also receive free software updates five years after their market launch. Now Apple has one Important update for the iPhone 5S published in 2013. The iPhone 5S last received an update a year ago.

Vulnerability can run arbitrary code on iPhone

In addition to the iPhone 5S, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus will also receive the new iOS version 12.5.6. However, users have to do without new features. The patch closes a security gap that has already been closed in other, younger iPhone models. iOS 15.6.1 for iPhone 6s and newer has been available since August 19th. This OS version as well as iOS 12.5.6 fixes a vulnerability that made malware-infected websites run on the web browser. According to Apple, “The processing of maliciously crafted web content may lead to the execution of arbitrary code. Apple is aware of one report that this issue may be an active exploit.”

With the upcoming iOS 16, a so-called lockdown mode is available. If you have activated this mode, the iPhone should be better protected against hacker attacks. However, users must then be prepared for some limitations. So only pictures, but no other file attachments can be displayed in the message app iMessage. Web technology, such as the just-in-time JavaScript compilation JIT, should no longer run in the Safari web browser. By default, a lock should also be active for Lightning-to-USB connections. So the iPhone user has to confirm every time a query that this USB connection is safe and can be used for data transfer. However, owners of an iPhone 6 or iPhone 5S will no longer receive an update to iOS 16 because their smartphones are too old. iOS 16 will be available later this year for all Apple smartphones starting with the iPhone 8 from 2017. A live stream on new Apple products will take place on September 7th.

Also worth reading: Hacker protection through lockdown mode: Apple wants to close the bulkheads in iOS 16

iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 Emergency Update Collection:

• Apple has released an emergency update to version 12.5.6 for the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 (Plus). Actually, these smartphones from 2013 and 2014 have already fallen out of the support cycle.
• However, a critical vulnerability has crept into iOS. It can happen that arbitrary code can be executed on these iPhones through infected websites. With the update, Apple wants to close this security gap.
• However, the new iOS version 16 will no longer appear for these old iPhones. If you want the current iOS version, you need at least an iPhone 8 from 2017. Some features from iOS 16 can only be used with current iPhone models.

Source: Apple