The move underscores Apple’s commitment to supporting older devices, even more than a decade after their debut.

According to Apple’s release notes for iOS 12.5.8, the update extends the certificate required for key features such as iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation, ensuring they continue to function beyond January 2027, reported MacRumors.

Without the update, certificate-dependent functions like device activation would have stopped working once the certificate expired. With iOS 12.5.8, however, users of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6s can continue using essential features for years to come.

Reports indicate that the last update for these devices was released in 2023.According to reports, the last update for the devices were released in 2023.