Apple had released iOS 12.4.9, watchOS 5.3.9 & watchOS 6.2.9 for older devices offering security fixes and improvements on Thursday. The size of these updates are small and do not bring any new features but they come in after almost five months since the release of iOS 12.4.8, watchOS 5.3.8, and watchOS 6.2.8 to patch security issues and improve user experience even further for older devices. Let’s go into detail about these updates:
iOS 12.4.9
iOS 12.4.9 has been released for the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation). The build number for this update is 16H5 which is short along with the size of this update and might be the last update to iOS 12.
iOS 12.4.9 fixes a FaceTime bug in which a user may send video in Group FaceTime calls without knowing that they have done so. This may have occured in previous versions due to a logic issue in the operations of Group FaceTime calls. Group FaceTime Calls was introduced with iOS 12.1 which required an iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad mini 4 or later, iPad (5th generation) or later, or iPod touch (7th generation) to support Group FaceTime Video Calls. The iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus do not support Group FaceTime Video Calls, but can join as audio participants on iOS 12.1.4. This update also fixes two kernel exploits and an issue with FontParser which Apple lists here.
The oldest iPhone to be supported with iOS 12.4.9 is the iPhone 5s, which was released in 2013 and it is simply amazing to see Apple provide security updates till date for a phone which is 7 years old, making Apple a clear winner in terms of Security & Software updates.
watchOS 5.3.9
watchOS 5.3.9 has been released for the Apple Watch Series 1, Apple Watch Series 2, Apple Watch Series 3, and Apple Watch Series 4 when paired to an iPhone running iOS 12. watchOS 5.3.9 fixes two kernel exploits and an issue with FontParser which Apple lists here. This also might be the last update to watchOS 5.
watchOS 6.2.9
watchOS 6.2.9 has been released for the Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2 which also fixes two kernel exploits and an issue with FontParser listed here. This too, might be the last update to watchOS 6.
The Apple Watch Series 1, released in 2015 is still being supported with this security update even though it is 5 years old which is a huge milestone in the smart-watch industry.
Apple is simply winning in terms of Software Updates when compared to its competitors. The oldest iPhone to be supported with iOS 12.4.9 is the iPhone 5s, which was released in 2013 and the oldest Apple Watch to be supported with watchOS 5.3.9 & watchOS 6.2.9 is the Apple Watch Series 1, released in 2015 making these software updates amazing to see as Apple is providing security updates till date for a phone and a watch which is 7 years old and 5 years old respectively. This only proves one thing: Apple wants its user’s devices to be secure, even if its an older device, making Apple a clear winner in terms of Security & Software updates.
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Author: Pururaj Dutta
Pururaj is the Vice President of Appleosophy and Silicon Report, in addition to being the Manager of popular Redfruit Media platforms such as TechPod Social and Apple Summit. His seasoned experience plays a pivotal role in the success of Redfruit Media, contributing significantly to shaping the ever-evolving tech landscape. As a tech aficionado, he enjoys exploring & reviewing new products, and sharing his insights with the community. With an unwavering passion for technology, Pururaj is committed to delivering accurate and insightful information to his readers.
