APPLE has issued a surprise alert for very old iPhones that must be installed.
Anyone with an older model needs to urgently download a new software update.
1
Ignoring it could let hackers run code on your iPhone – seizing control of your device.
It affects anyone still using an iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus.
These old models normally no longer receive iOS updates.
But Apple has issued a special security update called iOS 12.5.6.
For comparison, modern iPhones are running iOS 15.6.1 right now.
Anyone with an older iPhone must download the new update as soon as possible.
If not, hackers can create malicious websites that hijack your device when opened.
Apple has even warned that the bug may have already been exploited by cyber crooks.
Most read in Tech
To install the new update, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
You can download the update over WiFi and install it.
If you can’t install the latest update due to storage space, consider deleting some files (but back them up elsewhere first).
Apple is also offering the update for several other older devices, including the iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad Air and the iPod touch (6th gen).
I-warn!
It comes just a few weeks after Apple issued issued an urgent alert to all users to install a new iOS update on newer iPhones.
This added new protections against a hack attack that allowed crooks to take control of your iPhone.
Apple regularly rolls out iOS updates to fix security flaws.
Hackers can exploit these bugs to take control over parts (or even all) of your handset.
If you don’t install iOS updates on your iPhone regularly, the holes used by hackers remain open.
On newer iPhones, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got iOS 15.6.1 installed.
Getting old
Some very old iPhone models no longer receive iOS updates.
This puts you in significant danger of hack attacks, so it’s worth considering upgrading as soon as possible.
For instance, when the iOS 16 update lands in September, the iPhone 6S, iPhone 7 and 1st-generation iPhone SE will be cut off by Apple.
These handsets were compatible with the current iOS 15.6.1, but won’t get iOS 16.
If you’re using older iPhones than that, you’re already cut off, so you should upgrade to a newer model immediately.
Here’s the full list of iOS 16 supported devices:
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone Xs
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
Any iPhones not on this list won’t receive iOS 16.
If you’re using an older iPhone, you’ll simply need to upgrade your handset to a newer device to access iOS 16.
If you haven’t updated your iPhone recently, you should do it as soon as possible.
Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks
Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]
This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
