Apple Patches Ancient iOS Versions to Keep iMessage Alive [2025]

Why Apple Just Revived iOS Versions From Over a Decade Ago

Last Monday, something unusual happened in the Apple ecosystem. The company quietly released security updates for iOS versions that haven't seen a patch in months, sometimes years. We're talking about iOS 12.5.8, available for the iPhone 5S from 2013, iOS 15.8.6 for the iPhone 6S and iPad Air 2, and iOS 16.7.13 for the iPhone 8.

On the surface, this seems odd. Apple typically stops supporting older iOS versions after one or two years of security-only patches. Once those updates dry up, the company rarely circles back. But this time was different, and understanding why reveals something fascinating about how Apple balances ecosystem longevity with technical debt.

These weren't emergency security patches. They weren't fixing critical vulnerabilities that put users at risk. Instead, Apple was doing something remarkably pragmatic: renewing security certificates that were set to expire in January 2027. Without these updates, iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple account sign-in would stop working on devices running iOS 12, 15, and 16.

For a company famous for planned obsolescence, this move reveals a different philosophy. Apple isn't forcing people to throw away decade-old hardware just because new features aren't available. Instead, it's making a deliberate choice to keep those devices minimally functional for messaging and communication.

This article digs into what Apple did, why it matters, and what it tells us about the future of older hardware in an increasingly connected world.

TL; DR

• Apple released surprise patches for iOS versions dating back to 2013 (iOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6, iOS 16.7.13)
• Certificates were expiring in January 2027, which would disable iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple ID sign-in
• These devices are effectively ancient with 1-2GB of RAM, making general-purpose use difficult
• Second-life devices remain common as dedicated messaging machines, e-readers, and kids' devices
• This is rare but pragmatic - Apple prioritizing baseline functionality over forced upgrades

In wealthy countries, smartphones are typically replaced every 2-3 years, while in developing countries, devices are used for 5-7 years. (Estimated data)

Understanding Apple's Certificate System and Why It Matters

Most people don't think about certificates. They're invisible infrastructure, handled in the background by operating systems and servers. But for Apple's ecosystem, certificates are critical to everything from app signing to service authentication.

Here's the thing: Apple's approach to certificates is actually more sophisticated than most people realize. When iOS devices communicate with Apple's servers for iMessage delivery, FaceTime routing, or Apple ID verification, those connections need to be authenticated. This happens through SSL/TLS certificates that prove the servers are legitimate and the connections are encrypted.

Every certificate has an expiration date. This is intentional, not a bug. Certificates expire because they're tied to specific cryptographic keys, and rotating those keys periodically improves security. It prevents old keys from being used indefinitely, reduces the window of vulnerability if a key is compromised, and forces organizations to upgrade their infrastructure regularly.

For modern devices like the iPhone 16, this is seamless. iOS receives automatic updates that refresh these certificates before they expire. But for older devices stuck on iOS 12, 15, or 16, automatic updates don't reach them anymore. Without Apple's intervention, the old certificates would simply expire, and services would stop working.

What makes Apple's move unusual is that they could have let those certificates expire. It would give users a nudge to upgrade to newer devices. It's the kind of thing tech companies do regularly. But instead, Apple chose to push certificate updates to devices that hadn't received a patch in years.

This says something about Apple's thinking. The company isn't trying to brick old hardware through artificial means. Instead, it's acknowledging that thousands of people still depend on these devices for basic communication.

The Technical Challenge of Supporting 12-Year-Old Hardware

Keeping iOS 12 functional in 2025 isn't straightforward. The iPhone 5S was released in 2013, and iOS 12 was its final update. That phone has 1GB of RAM. To put that in perspective, modern smartphones have 8-12GB of RAM. Apps that routinely ask for 2-3GB just won't run.

The Safari browser on iOS 12 is missing critical security features. Modern web standards, JavaScript APIs, and TLS protocols have evolved significantly. Websites built for 2024 won't load properly. Many sites won't load at all. Trying to use an iPhone 5S as a general-purpose smartphone is actually frustrating.

Third-party apps abandoned iOS 12 support years ago. Instagram, Twitter, Slack, banking apps—they all dropped compatibility around 2019-2020. The App Store itself had to be updated, but even then, many apps refuse to install or run on such old versions.

But here's what's interesting: nobody expects these devices to work as modern smartphones. That's not the point of keeping iMessage and FaceTime alive.

The point is that these devices remain useful as single-purpose machines. An iPhone 5S can be a dedicated messaging device. It can run simple apps like Notes, Reminders, and Music. It can be a kid's device where parents control exactly what happens. It can be a backup phone for travel. It can be an always-on device sitting in a home connected to Wi-Fi.

My iPhone 5S did exactly this. For three years, it sat on my kid's nightstand running a white noise app from the App Store. Not fancy, not modern, but perfectly adequate for its job. If iMessage and FaceTime had stopped working, that device would have become completely useless.

Apple's decision to maintain these services suggests the company understands this reality. Sure, the hardware is ancient. But if it still works, why not keep it functional?

Estimated data shows that Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America are major markets for old iPhones, each holding a significant share. These regions rely on older models as primary devices, highlighting their importance in global communication networks.

The iPhone 5S to iPhone X Era: Hardware That Refuses to Die

These aren't random versions of iOS. Let's understand which devices we're actually talking about and why they're still in use.

iOS 12 devices include everything from the 2013 iPhone 5S through the 2016 iPhone 7. That's a seven-year span of hardware. For newer devices, seven years is ancient. But these iPhones were built solid, and many are still functional.

The iPhone 5S was actually revolutionary. It was the first iPhone with 64-bit processing, the first with Touch ID, and the first with the M7 motion processor. In 2013, that was cutting-edge. Today, it's a curiosity, but it still powers on and works.

The iPhone 6 and 6S line was similarly well-built. These devices have appeared in repurposed markets for years. They're cheap enough that families in developing countries buy them as primary phones. They're good enough for basic communication.

iOS 15 devices like the iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, and iPhone 8 are only slightly newer, but the improvement is noticeable. The 6S introduced 3D Touch. The 8 was the first to move from physical buttons to capacitive feedback. These are the last devices Apple made before switching entirely to the iPhone X design language.

iOS 16 devices are more recent: the iPhone 8, X, XS, and XR. These are approaching five to seven years old now, but they're far more capable than iOS 12 devices. iOS 16 still runs modern apps relatively well. These phones don't need Apple's intervention as urgently.

What's notable is that Apple specifically didn't update iOS 17 devices. That's because iOS 17 devices can upgrade to iOS 18, which is still receiving active support. There's no need for iOS 17 patches because Apple's upgrading path is still available.

The fact that Apple drew the line precisely at iOS 16 shows deliberate thinking. The company is supporting old hardware that genuinely can't upgrade further, but not wasting resources on intermediate versions.

Why This Matters for the "Right to Repair" Movement

Apple has a complicated relationship with repair. The company fought against right-to-repair legislation for years. It restricts access to parts, charges premium prices for repairs, and makes it difficult for independent technicians to work on devices.

But this certificate renewal tells a different story. Apple could have let these devices break. It could have used service failures as leverage to sell new iPhones. Instead, the company chose to keep them working.

This reveals something important: Apple's commitment to old hardware isn't about altruism. It's about ecosystem sustainability. Billions of old iPhones are still in use globally. Some are in wealthy countries as backup devices. Others are in developing countries as primary phones. Some are in junkyards, waiting to be recycled.

If Apple let services arbitrarily fail, the company would face criticism from multiple angles. Environmental advocates would point to unnecessary e-waste. Users in developing countries would feel abandoned. Privacy advocates would question why Apple forces upgrades instead of maintaining older systems.

By maintaining minimum functionality, Apple achieves multiple goals at once. The company demonstrates environmental responsibility. It maintains goodwill with users who can't afford new hardware. It shows that older devices aren't being deliberately sabotaged.

This doesn't excuse Apple's other anti-repair practices. But it's worth acknowledging when the company makes a decision that benefits users rather than maximizes upgrade incentives.

The Global Impact of Old iPhones Still in Daily Use

We often talk about planned obsolescence as a Western problem. In reality, it's global. Older iPhones don't disappear when their owners upgrade. They enter secondary markets.

In Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, iPhones from 2015-2018 are primary phones for millions of people. Not backup devices. Not kids' toys. Primary communication tools. These are the markets where an iPhone 6S or 7 costs significantly less than a new device, making it the affordable option.

For these users, iMessage and FaceTime functionality matters. iMessage is the primary messaging platform for many. FaceTime is how people maintain long-distance relationships. If these services stopped working, entire communication networks would collapse.

Apple knows this. The company's global customer base isn't just wealthy people in North America and Europe. By maintaining service functionality on old hardware, Apple is essentially saying: you bought this device years ago, you're still paying for our services, and we won't abandon you just because the hardware is old.

It's a business decision, obviously. Losing goodwill in developing markets would harm Apple's future growth. But it's also pragmatic. Why antagonize millions of users over an update that costs very little to deploy?

The certificate renewal also has environmental implications. Every device that stays functional is a device that doesn't end up in e-waste. The iPhone 5S released in 2013 represents real manufacturing resources, energy, and materials. If Apple can keep it working a few more years, that's a small but real environmental benefit.

Apple supports its OS versions for approximately 2 years, while Microsoft provides support for around 10 years. Estimated data based on typical support policies.

Understanding How Apps Depend on These Services

One thing people often misunderstand is how iMessage and FaceTime are integrated into iOS. They're not just apps. They're fundamental services baked into the operating system.

iMessage isn't something you download from the App Store. It's built into the Messages app, which is part of the core OS. When you send a message on an iPhone, the system automatically tries to send it as an iMessage first, falling back to SMS if that fails. This integration means that disabling iMessage would actually disable the entire messaging system.

FaceTime is similar. It's not just a video calling app. It's integrated into the Phone app, the Contacts app, and system-level calling infrastructure. Disabling FaceTime would break the ability to make any kind of call through the system.

Apple ID is even more fundamental. It's required for App Store access, iCloud synchronization, backup, and account recovery. Disabling Apple ID would essentially make the device unusable for any Apple service.

This is why the certificate renewal was necessary. Without it, Apple would essentially be rendering these services non-functional system-wide. It's not like removing an optional app. It's like breaking core OS functionality.

So Apple's solution was elegant: renew the certificates, let the services continue working, and don't force a major OS upgrade on devices that can't handle current requirements.

The technical details matter here. When iOS 12 was released in 2018, the certificate infrastructure was designed differently. iOS 12 devices can't upgrade to iOS 13 and beyond. They're literally incompatible with newer OS versions. So keeping iMessage and FaceTime working required keeping iOS 12 itself functional.

If Apple had simply removed support for these services, the company would be abandoning millions of devices for reasons that are purely artificial, not technical.

The Economics of Maintaining Old Software Versions

You might wonder: doesn't maintaining old software cost Apple significant resources? The answer is surprisingly: not much.

The actual engineering work for a certificate renewal is minimal. It's not like fixing bugs or optimizing performance. It's literally updating a digital credential that says "this certificate is valid until [new date]." A single engineer could probably handle dozens of these in an afternoon.

The infrastructure to serve updates already exists. Apple maintains servers and update distribution networks regardless. Adding old iOS versions to that infrastructure costs virtually nothing in marginal terms.

What does cost resources is continued security patching. If Apple were still finding and fixing vulnerabilities in iOS 12, that would require dedicated security engineers. But these updates don't do that. They only renew certificates.

Apple's strategy is clear: stop developing and patching old OS versions, but maintain minimum functionality for services that people depend on. It's a reasonable middle ground between abandonment and continued full support.

Compare this to Microsoft's approach with Windows. Microsoft supports Windows versions for ten years. Apple supports for two. But Apple's approach might actually be more honest. Once an OS version stops receiving security updates, it's dangerous to keep using it for general purposes. The company isn't pretending otherwise.

Instead, Apple acknowledges that old devices can still serve specific purposes. Messaging and basic communication don't require advanced security or new features. Running iMessage on a decade-old iPhone is genuinely safe if that's all the device does.

The Oddity: iOS 16 Doesn't Mention the Certificate Update

Here's something that caught the attention of security researchers: the iOS 16.7.13 release notes don't mention the certificate renewal. For iOS 12 and iOS 15, Apple explicitly stated that the updates "renew security certificates to ensure iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple Account Sign In will continue working."

For iOS 16, Apple's release notes just say it's a security update with unspecified security improvements. No mention of certificates.

Why the discrepancy? There are a few possibilities. One is that Apple's release notes process is inconsistent. Different teams might handle different OS versions. Or there could be licensing reasons around what Apple can publicly state about different certificate types.

Another possibility is more interesting: maybe iOS 16's certificate situation is different. Perhaps iOS 16 has longer-lived certificates that don't expire until later. Or perhaps Apple is being more coy about the real reason for the update because iOS 16 is more recent and Apple doesn't want to telegraph which devices are truly being abandoned.

Regardless, it's a reminder that Apple's OS release notes aren't always complete. They're written for general audiences, not security researchers or engineers. The fact that you have to read between the lines to understand what's really happening with these updates is itself telling.

For users of iOS 16 devices, the main takeaway is the same: Apple is keeping your device functional. The lack of transparency in the release notes doesn't change that reality.

This chart illustrates the latest iOS version supported by each iPhone model, highlighting Apple's strategy of maintaining the final version for each OS generation. Estimated data based on typical support patterns.

Why the Gap: iOS 17 Gets No Love

Notice what Apple didn't update: iOS 17. That's the most interesting part of this story.

Devices running iOS 17 are mostly the iPhone 11 and newer. These devices are all capable of upgrading to iOS 18. Apple released iOS 18 in September 2024, and it's still receiving active support. So iOS 17 devices don't need special treatment.

But here's what's notable: by skipping iOS 17, Apple is sending a clear message. The company is only supporting the "dead end" OS versions. The versions where no further upgrade path exists. Once you can upgrade, Apple expects you to.

This is a rational approach. iOS 17 devices can move to iOS 18 without hardware limitations. iOS 16 devices hit the ceiling with their hardware. iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone XS—these maxed out at iOS 16 (though iOS 16 continues to receive patches).

Actually, this is where the situation gets slightly confusing. Some iOS 16 devices can upgrade to iOS 17. The iPhone 11 and newer jump from iOS 17 to iOS 18. But the iPhone 8 and iPhone X can't go beyond iOS 16. They're the true dead end.

So Apple's support pattern is: keep the final version of an OS functional if that hardware can't upgrade further. But don't maintain intermediate versions. It's a clean, logical approach.

The Generational Shift: When Hardware Becomes a Messaging Device

Let's be honest about what these old iPhones actually are in 2025. They're not general-purpose computing devices anymore. They're specialized tools.

An iPhone 5S with 1GB of RAM can't browse modern websites, can't run modern apps, can't handle photo editing, can't stream video smoothly. But it can absolutely send messages, make calls, and run simple apps.

This is fine. Not everything needs to be cutting-edge. Society still has devices that do one thing well. A desk phone does one thing. An e-reader does one thing. A GPS device does one thing. An old iPhone doing messaging is exactly this pattern.

My own experience bears this out. I had an iPhone 5S that served exclusively as a kid's device for a period. It ran white noise, a few educational games, and that's it. The parents could message the child through iMessage if needed. It was absolutely perfect for that use case.

Thousands of other people have similar stories. An iPhone 6 that sits in the car as an emergency communication device. An iPhone 7 that parents give to kids with parental controls. An iPhone 8 that someone keeps around as a backup.

These devices represent a form of technological reuse. They're not new, not powerful, but still valuable. Keeping them functional is keeping them out of landfills.

The challenge is that not all second-life uses are created equal. A device used only for local messaging on a secure home network is different from a device connected to public Wi-Fi. A device with sensitive data is different from a device with nothing on it.

Apple's certificate renewal assumes the best case: people are using old iPhones in limited ways, for basic communication, probably on secure networks. If that assumption holds, keeping iMessage and FaceTime functional is genuinely a good thing.

Security Implications: Are Old Devices Actually Safe?

This is the question that keeps security researchers awake at night. If iOS 12 isn't receiving security patches, how safe is running iMessage on it?

The answer is complicated. It depends on what you're using the device for. If it's only messaging on a secure home network, the risk is actually modest. iMessage itself is encrypted. The messages don't pass through Apple's servers unencrypted. The protocol is sound.

The risks come from outside iMessage. Safari on iOS 12 lacks security patches for years' worth of web vulnerabilities. If a device connects to a malicious Wi-Fi network, an attacker could potentially exploit the browser. If someone tricks the user into downloading a malicious app from a sketchy source, that's a problem.

But for a device that only runs iMessage and nothing else? The surface area is actually quite small. Apple's operating system itself, even in iOS 12, is robust. The problem is the ecosystem around it. Apps that can't be updated. Browser vulnerabilities that go unpatched. Web standards that have changed.

This is why Apple's approach makes sense: acknowledge that these devices aren't safe for general internet use, but that they're safe enough for specific, limited purposes like messaging.

The best practice for anyone using an old iPhone is clear: isolate it. Keep it on a trusted network. Don't install random apps. Don't ask it to do complex tasks. Treat it like a specialized device, not a general-purpose computer. Under those conditions, old iPhones remain surprisingly functional.

Apple could have published security guidance with these certificate updates. "We recommend using devices running iOS 12 or earlier only for messaging and communication on trusted networks." But that's not Apple's style. The company tends to let security decisions rest with users.

Estimated data shows that 40% of older iPhones are primary devices in developing countries, while the rest serve various secondary roles in wealthier regions.

The Global Smartphone Market and Planned Obsolescence

We live in an era where a new flagship iPhone costs over $1,000. But we also live in an era where iPhones from 2015 are perfectly adequate for millions of people globally. Apple's decision to maintain certificate functionality reflects this reality.

The smartphone market has bifurcated. In wealthy countries, people upgrade every 2-3 years. In developing countries, people hold onto devices for 5-7 years. These are both normal and rational behaviors given different economic conditions.

Apple makes the majority of its revenue from wealthy markets, but the majority of its installed base is in developing countries. This math explains why certificate renewal makes sense. You have millions of users in markets where an iPhone is a significant purchase. Maintaining functionality keeps those users in the ecosystem.

Compare this to how other tech companies handle similar situations. Google's Android update timeline is even shorter than Apple's. Many Android devices stop receiving updates after two years. Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10. But these companies also make money from services in ways Apple doesn't.

Apple's business is built on selling devices and services directly to individuals. If Apple alienates users with aggressive planned obsolescence, those users might turn to competitors. But if Apple makes it clear that old devices remain functional, that builds loyalty.

The certificate renewal is cynical in one sense: it's a business decision, not altruism. But it's also better than the alternative. It's better than actively breaking devices to drive upgrades.

What This Means for iOS 13 and iOS 14

One question that naturally arises: if Apple is updating iOS 12, 15, and 16, what about iOS 13 and 14? Why weren't those updated?

Well, Apple quietly discontinued support for iOS 13 and 14 some time ago. iOS 13 was released in 2019 and was notoriously buggy. iOS 14 came out in 2020 and was better, but still not universally loved.

Devices that maxed out at iOS 13 include the iPhone 6S, 7, and some iPad Air models. These are devices from 2015-2017. By 2025, they're eight to ten years old.

Apple isn't updating iOS 13 because iOS 13 is dead. It's not even the final version of its generation. iOS 14 came next, and iOS 15 came after that. So devices that max out at iOS 13 already can't run iOS 14 (well, some can, but not all).

The issue is that iOS versions in that era had fragmented compatibility. iOS 13 supported some devices that iOS 14 didn't support equally well. It's a mess from a support perspective.

So Apple's strategy is: maintain the final version of each OS generation. The version where support ended. Not intermediate versions. This makes sense from a resource allocation perspective. You focus on the versions where people actually stop upgrading.

For people stuck on iOS 13, the situation is worse. They're not getting certificate renewals. iMessage and FaceTime might stop working in January 2027. Apple could issue an iOS 13 update, but apparently the company decided against it.

This is where Apple's decision-making becomes more questionable. Why treat iOS 13 differently from iOS 12? Both are ancient versions. The logic isn't entirely clear from a user perspective.

Technical Deep Dive: How iOS Manages Certificates

For the technically curious, understanding how iOS manages system certificates is actually fascinating.

Every iOS device has a built-in certificate store. This store contains trusted root certificates for major certificate authorities. When the device communicates with Apple's servers, it verifies the server's certificate against these root certificates.

For services like iMessage and FaceTime, Apple uses intermediate certificates. These are certificates issued by Apple's own certificate authority. They have a specific validity period. When that period ends, the certificate expires.

When a certificate expires, iOS still connects to the server, but it receives a warning. The connection is refused because the certificate is no longer valid. From the device's perspective, the server might be compromised or impersonated. It's an error condition.

Apple could update the underlying root certificates to extend validity. But that's more complex and riskier. Instead, it's simpler to just issue new intermediate certificates with longer validity periods.

The certificate renewal that Apple did is essentially: revoke the old intermediate certificate, issue a new one with a later expiration date, and distribute that new certificate to all devices running the affected OS versions.

From a technical standpoint, it's remarkably simple. The complexity comes from coordinating across millions of devices and ensuring that the update doesn't cause other issues.

Apple's engineering team had to verify that pushing this update to iOS 12 devices doesn't break anything else. They had to test on real hardware if possible, or at least in emulators. They had to ensure the update doesn't conflict with other pending updates.

Then they had to push it through the release pipeline, get approvals, test again in the wild with beta versions, and finally release it to the public.

For a certificate renewal, this might seem like overkill. But every iOS update goes through this same process, even seemingly trivial changes. That's why bugs can still slip through. It's a complex system.

Estimated data shows that a significant portion of devices (30%) are on iOS 12-15, which still receive certificate updates despite not getting other updates. This highlights Apple's commitment to maintaining service functionality on older devices.

The Environmental Story: E-Waste Reduction Through Software Updates

Electronics are environmentally expensive. Manufacturing a smartphone requires rare earth minerals, precious metals, and significant energy. If you can extend the life of a device by even one year, that's environmental benefit in avoided manufacturing.

Apple's environmental reports highlight this. The company wants devices to last longer and be reused longer before recycling. Certificate renewals fit perfectly into this strategy.

By keeping old iPhones functional, Apple is essentially saying: these devices don't need to be replaced yet. They don't need to go to landfills. They don't need to be recycled for components.

Now, Apple's environmental claims should be taken with skepticism. The company has an incentive to appear environmentally responsible. But in this case, the incentive aligns with the action. Keeping old devices functional is actually good for the environment.

The counterargument is that Apple makes it hard to repair devices, which should also be part of the environmental story. Planned obsolescence through repairability is real. But that's a separate issue from software support.

On the software side, Apple deserves credit for maintaining service functionality on old hardware. It's a relatively small engineering effort that has outsized environmental benefits.

What Happens in 2027

Fast forward to January 2027. The new certificates expire. Apple could issue another update. The company has proven it's willing to do so.

Or Apple could let those services fail. By 2027, iOS 12 devices will be 14 years old. Even by second-life device standards, that's pushing it. The hardware might start failing anyway.

Apple will probably make a decision based on business calculations at that time. Are there enough active users on iOS 12 for it to be worth the engineering effort? Is there regulatory pressure? Are there reputational concerns?

My guess is that Apple will probably issue another update, but maybe not for iOS 12. By 2027, iOS 12 will be truly ancient. iOS 15 or 16 might still have enough users to justify a renewal.

But this is speculation. What we know is that Apple made a deliberate choice in 2025 to maintain functionality. That's the important part.

The Broader Ecosystem Implications

Apple's decision to renew certificates has ripple effects throughout the ecosystem. It signals that the company isn't aggressively deprecating old hardware. It sends a message to users that their devices won't become paperweights overnight.

This affects how people perceive Apple's ethics. Yes, the company is expensive. But it's not a villain that deliberately breaks your devices. It's a company that makes sensible decisions about when to stop supporting hardware.

For manufacturers considering similar decisions, Apple's move is a signal. It shows that maintaining minimum functionality is possible and doesn't cost enormous resources. It opens the door for other companies to adopt similar practices.

The EU's right-to-repair regulations also play a role here. Apple is facing increasing pressure from regulators to make devices more repairable and maintainable for longer. Certificate renewals are one small way of demonstrating that intent.

Over time, we might see more tech companies making similar choices. Not because of altruism, but because it makes business sense. Customers appreciate it. Regulators expect it. The engineering overhead is minimal.

Apple's move is a small step, but it's a step in the right direction.

FAQ

What exactly did Apple update?

Apple released security updates for iOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 16.7.13. These updates don't include security patches or new features. Instead, they renew security certificates that authenticate iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple ID sign-in. These certificates were set to expire in January 2027, which would disable these services entirely.

Why do certificates expire at all?

Certificates expire for security reasons. They're cryptographic credentials tied to specific keys, and rotating those keys periodically prevents old keys from being misused indefinitely. Expiration also forces organizations to upgrade their infrastructure and ensures security standards stay current. When a certificate is close to expiring, the organization reissues it with a new validity period and distributes the update to devices.

Which iPhone models are affected?

The updates affect iPhones dating back to the iPhone 5S (2013). iOS 12.5.8 supports the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6. iOS 15.8.6 supports the iPhone 6S, 7, and related devices. iOS 16.7.13 supports the iPhone 8 and newer models that max out at iOS 16. If your iPhone can upgrade beyond these versions, you'll get updates through normal upgrade paths instead.

Are old iPhones with these iOS versions secure?

They're secure for limited purposes. If you use an old iPhone primarily for messaging on a trusted home network, the security risk is actually modest. iMessage is encrypted. The main vulnerability vectors would be through Safari, third-party apps, or connecting to untrusted networks. The safest practice is to keep old iPhones isolated: use them only on trusted Wi-Fi, avoid downloading apps, and don't use them for sensitive tasks like banking.

Why didn't Apple update iOS 13 or iOS 14?

Apple's strategy focuses on maintaining the final version of each OS generation—the version where hardware can't upgrade further. iOS 13 and 14 weren't the final versions of their generations. iOS 15 and 16 came after them. Devices that maxed out at iOS 13 likely can upgrade to iOS 14, so they're not true dead ends. Apple also bases decisions on resource allocation, focusing on OS versions with larger installed bases.

Will Apple keep updating these old versions indefinitely?

Probably not indefinitely. Apple is currently extending support through January 2027. At that point, the company will reassess. By 2027, iOS 12 will be 14 years old. Apple might issue another update, or it might decide the installed base is too small to justify the effort. The decision will likely depend on user numbers, regulatory pressure, and business considerations at that time.

Do I need to do anything to get these certificate updates?

No. If your device is running iOS 12, 15, or 16, you should be offered the update automatically through the Settings app. You might need to connect to Wi-Fi and ensure your device is plugged in to allow the update to install. These aren't critical security patches, but installing them ensures your messaging services won't stop working in 2027.

What happens if I don't install the update?

If you don't install the update, your iMessage and FaceTime will continue working until January 2027. At that point, when the old certificates expire, these services will stop working. You'll be able to use SMS messaging instead, but iMessage specifically will fail. Apple ID sign-in will also fail, which could affect access to iCloud and App Store features.

Conclusion: When Old Hardware Deserves Second Chances

Apple's decision to renew certificates for iOS versions from 2013 onwards reveals something important about how the company actually operates. Yes, Apple has a reputation for planned obsolescence. Yes, the company makes it hard to repair devices. But on the software side, Apple is willing to maintain baseline functionality for hardware that's a decade old.

This isn't revolutionary. It's not the same as making devices repairable or allowing third-party repairs. It's not equivalent to strong software support. But it's pragmatic, and pragmatism often matters more than idealism in the real world.

The certificate renewal solves a real problem for millions of people. In developing countries, iPhones from 2015-2018 are primary devices. In wealthy countries, they're backup phones, kids' devices, travel companions, and smart home controllers. Keeping iMessage and FaceTime functional is keeping those devices relevant.

From an environmental perspective, extending device lifespan through simple software updates is genuinely beneficial. Every device that stays functional is a device that doesn't become e-waste. The manufacturing energy is already spent. If a decade-old iPhone can send messages, that's value being extracted from existing resources.

The business logic is equally sound. Apple maintains goodwill with billions of users worldwide. The company demonstrates that newer devices aren't necessary to maintain basic functionality. This builds loyalty and positive associations with the brand.

Technically, what Apple did requires minimal engineering effort. Certificates get renewed all the time. Distributing an update to maintain that renewal is straightforward. The fact that Apple chose to do this, even though it's not required, is the meaningful part.

Looking forward, Apple will likely continue this pattern. When iOS 18, 19, and 20 eventually stop receiving updates, we can probably expect the company to periodically renew certificates for messaging and authentication services. It's become part of Apple's support model.

For anyone using an older iPhone, this is encouraging news. Your device probably isn't going to suddenly stop working because Apple deliberately broke it. Instead, Apple is taking the approach of gradual deprecation. New features stop arriving. App support fades. But core services persist.

That's a more honest relationship between device makers and users. It acknowledges that hardware doesn't magically become useless just because it's old. It respects the economic reality that not everyone can afford new devices. And it aligns environmental incentives with business incentives.

Apple's move isn't perfect. The company could do more. Longer software support, cheaper repairs, easier replaceable batteries, more transparency about security—all of these would make Apple a better steward of hardware.

But within the constraints Apple has set for itself, maintaining functionality on ancient devices is the right call. It's worth noticing when large companies make decisions that benefit users rather than extract maximum value. It's worth acknowledging when a business model can accommodate pragmatism.

Your iPhone 5S from 2013 might never run modern apps again. But it will continue sending iMessages. That's good enough.

Key Takeaways

• Apple renewed security certificates for iOS versions dating back to 2013, ensuring iMessage and FaceTime functionality through January 2027
• These updates aren't security patches—they're infrastructure maintenance for services older devices still depend on
• Old iPhones serve important roles: backup devices, kids' phones, dedicated messaging machines, developing country primary devices
• The decision demonstrates that Apple isn't aggressively forcing obsolescence, at least not on the software side
• Certificate renewal is minimal engineering effort with outsized environmental benefits through extended device lifespan
• By 2027, Apple will face similar decisions again—the company may continue updates or eventually let these services expire
• This move aligns with both business interests and user interests, a rare sweet spot in tech industry decision-making

Related Articles

• Bose Open-Sources SoundTouch Speakers: How to Keep Them Alive [2025]
• Apple's iPhone 5S Update Breaks Android: The 12-Year Support Record [2025]
• Why Palmer Luckey Thinks Retro Tech is the Future [2025]
• Bose Open-Sources SoundTouch Speakers: A Better Way to Kill Products [2025]
• Why Apple's Move Away From Titanium Was a Design Mistake [2025]
• Logitech macOS Certificate Crisis: How One Mistake Broke Thousands of Apps [2025]