To everyone’s surprise, Apple has released an update for iOS 12, which has already expired, increasing the version number to 12.5.6. The reason for this is closing a large security hole. This vulnerability was already fixed in the latest version of iOS (version 15.6.1) and iPadOS 15.6.1 and macOS Monterey 12.5.1.
More technically speaking, this update fixes a kernel-level vulnerability that could allow applications to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. A bug that allows arbitrary code execution via “malicious web content” is also being closed within WebKit.
iOS 12 was first released alongside the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max in 2018, making it the last iOS version the following devices received. In other words, the update is coming to the following devices that cannot be updated after iOS 12:
- iPhone 5S
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPod Touch 6
- iPad Air (1st generation)
- iPad mini 2
- iPad mini 3
You can get the update in the usual ways by going to the Settings app and selecting General and then Software Update. This will download the update in the background and prompt you to install it when it’s ready.
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