Apple is well known for supporting its devices with software and security updates for several years. However, that support does not last forever, and Apple will eventually stop providing major updates. Therefore, the fact that a security patch (opens in new tab) has been released for a device nearly 10 years old is quite remarkable.

Devices to which the new update applies include iPhones, Macs, MacBooks, and iPads dating back to 2013. iPhone 5s was released in September 2013, and with the launch of iOS 13 in 2019, major iOS updates It is one of the oldest models to receive updates, no longer receiving major iOS updates with the launch of iOS 13 in 2019.

These updates include MacOS Big Sur 11.7.3, MacOS Monterey 12.6.3, iOS 12.5.7, iOS 15.7.3, and iPad OS 15.7.3. But they are not the only ones. Apple's support page lists a huge variety of security updates released on January 23, covering nearly every device released in the past decade, from iPhones to Apple TVs.

According to the patch notes, the updates do not all target the same things, which is quite interesting. For example, the iOS 12 update (opens in new tab) only covers WebKit bugs that could endanger users from "maliciously crafted web content."

The iOS 15 update (opens in new tab), on the other hand, resolves issues with the kernel, Mail Exchange, and provides updates to features like Maps and Screen Time, but makes no mention of WebKit. iOS 16 update (opens in new tab) open) offers more changes, including WebKit fixes similar to those from iOS 12.

Why? Who knows, but it really doesn't matter. The fact is that there were issues that could have affected various older Apple devices. Rather than ignore the problem, Apple released an update to fix it. Even if, in all likelihood, the number of people affected could be quite small, it is commendable.

Apple released the following update:

Keeping your phone updated is very important, especially if you have an older device that stopped regular update support some time ago. If you have automatic updates enabled, the device will take care of the problem on its own.

If not, you can manually install updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Alternatively, see our guides on how to update your iPhone and how to update your Mac.