Key Points
- Apple released iOS 16.7.15, iPadOS 16.7.15, iOS 15.8.7, and iPadOS 15.8.7 for older devices.
- Updates deliver critical security fixes, including protection against the Coruna exploit disclosed by Google.
- Devices unable to run iOS 17 or newer will now receive the same protections.
- Apple continues its practice of supporting devices well beyond five years after launch.
- Even the iPhone 5s received an update earlier this year, 13 years after release.
Updates for Legacy Devices
Apple has released new versions of iOS and iPadOS designed specifically for older iPhones and iPads that cannot upgrade to the latest operating systems. The updates—iOS 16.7.15, iPadOS 16.7.15, iOS 15.8.7, and iPadOS 15.8.7—are now available to download.
Users can install the updates by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update, or wait for automatic updates to roll out in the coming days.
Security Fixes Address Coruna Exploit
According to Apple’s release notes, the updates include important security patches. The fixes target the Coruna exploit, a sophisticated vulnerability disclosed by Google last week.
While newer devices had already received protection through iOS 16 and iOS 17 updates, this release ensures that older hardware is equally safeguarded.
Apple’s Long-Term Support Commitment
Apple has pledged to provide security updates for at least five years after a device’s launch, but in practice, support often extends much longer. Earlier this year, the iPhone 5s—originally released in 2013—received a rare update, underscoring Apple’s commitment to device longevity.
Context: Why It Matters
Security updates are critical for users who rely on older devices, ensuring protection against evolving threats without requiring new hardware. By extending patches to legacy models, Apple reinforces its reputation for maintaining user trust and device reliability.
What Happens Next?
With these updates now live, Apple users on older devices can expect improved protection against current exploits. As cyber threats continue to evolve, Apple is likely to maintain its strategy of issuing targeted patches, even for hardware long past its prime.
