Apple Halts iOS Updates for Older iPhones Due to Australian Network Issues

Apple has temporarily halted the rollout of several iOS updates for older iPhone models after reports of network connectivity issues in Australia, including failures to connect emergency calls to 000 (Australia's equivalent of 911).

Emergency Call Failures Prompt Immediate Action

The issue came to light through a support document from Australian telecommunications provider Telstra, which stated it was "investigating an issue preventing some older Apple devices from connecting to our network, including calls to 000." The company emphasized that this was being treated as a priority and that it was working directly with Apple to resolve the problem.

Telstra specifically identified the following devices as potentially affected when updated to certain iOS versions:

• iPhone 8 updated to iOS 16.7.13
• iPhone 8 Plus updated to iOS 16.7.13
• iPhone X updated to iOS 16.7.13

In response, Apple has paused the rollout of multiple iOS updates globally, including iOS 18.7.4, iOS 16.7.13, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 12.5.8. The company's website indicates that these updates do not include any security patches, which means there's minimal risk in delaying their installation while the connectivity issues are resolved.

Global Impact of Regional Issue

What makes this situation particularly noteworthy is that Apple's response was not limited to Australia. Despite the issue being reported by a single Australian carrier, Apple paused the updates worldwide for the affected iOS versions across multiple device generations. This demonstrates the company's cautious approach to potential safety issues, especially those involving emergency communications.

Interestingly, iOS 26.2.1 appears to be unaffected by this problem and remains widely available for supported iPhones. This suggests the issue may be specific to certain code paths or configurations present in the older iOS versions that were pulled.

Timeline of Events

The situation has evolved rapidly since its initial discovery:

January 28, 2026

• Apple releases multiple iOS updates including iOS 26.2.1, iOS 18.7.4, and others
• Reports emerge of connectivity issues in Australia
• Apple begins investigating the problem

January 28, 2026 (later)

• Apple pauses rollout of affected iOS updates worldwide
• Telstra publishes support document acknowledging the issue
• Apple stops signing iOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 18.7.4

February 2, 2026

• Apple releases iOS 16.7.14 as a replacement for the problematic iOS 16.7.13
• Apple resumes signing iOS 12.5.8, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 18.7.4
• iOS 16.7.13 remains unavailable for installation

The rapid response and subsequent resolution with iOS 16.7.14 demonstrates Apple's ability to address critical issues quickly, particularly when they involve potential safety concerns.

Technical Implications

This incident highlights the complex interplay between mobile operating systems and cellular network infrastructure. Even minor changes in how iOS handles network connections can have significant real-world consequences, particularly when they affect emergency services.

The fact that the issue was isolated to specific iPhone models (8, 8 Plus, and X) running a particular iOS version (16.7.13) suggests that the problem may have been related to how these older devices handle certain network protocols or authentication methods that changed in that specific update.

User Guidance

For users of affected devices, the guidance from both Telstra and Apple has been clear: delay updating to the problematic iOS versions until the issue is resolved. Users who have already updated and are experiencing connectivity issues should consider rolling back to a previous iOS version if possible, though this option may not be available for all devices depending on Apple's signing status.

Users who need to maintain emergency calling capabilities should verify their device's functionality by testing a call to 000 (or their local emergency number) before relying on the device in an emergency situation.

Broader Context

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical nature of mobile connectivity in modern life. While software updates typically bring new features and security improvements, they must be thoroughly tested to ensure they don't inadvertently disrupt fundamental functions like emergency communications.

Apple's handling of this situation—quickly identifying the problem, pausing the updates, and releasing a fixed version—demonstrates the company's commitment to user safety and its ability to respond rapidly to critical issues. The incident also underscores the importance of carrier collaboration in the mobile ecosystem, as the problem was identified and communicated through Telstra's support channels before becoming widely known.

As mobile devices continue to evolve and become more deeply integrated into our daily lives, incidents like this highlight the ongoing need for rigorous testing and rapid response mechanisms to ensure that essential services remain available even as technology advances.