Apple releases iOS 12.4.2 for older iPhone & iPad, alongside watchOS 5.3.2
Apple has unexpectedly released an update of iOS for older iPhone and iPad models that cannot be updated to iOS 13.1, with the legacy hardware now able to update to iOS 12.4.2, at the same time as updating the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2.
iOS 12.4 running on an iPhone XS
While the majority of iPhone and iPad users are updating to iOS 13.1 from iOS 12.4.1 or iOS 13, users of older models not supported for the operating system upgrade are able to download an update that brings iOS 12.4.1 to iOS 12.4.2. Released without betas or fanfare on Thursday, the update is available to download now by a selection of older devices.
The list of compatible hardware for the iOS 12.4.2 update includes the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 6 family of smartphones, the first-generation iPad Air, the second and third-generation iPad mini, and the sixth-generation iPod touch.
Older models, including the fifth-generation iPod touch, the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5, and the iPad 4, are currently not able to update, and have to remain on earlier iOS releases at this time.
At the same time, Apple has issued updates for the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2. The updates, firmware updates for watchOS 5.3.2, are available for both 38mm and 42mm variants of both Apple Watch generations.
It is unclear exactly what Apple is including as part of the update releases, but it is likely to include a variety of performance and bug fixes, as well as updating apps to work with other services Apple provides.
iOS 12.4 running on an iPhone XS
While the majority of iPhone and iPad users are updating to iOS 13.1 from iOS 12.4.1 or iOS 13, users of older models not supported for the operating system upgrade are able to download an update that brings iOS 12.4.1 to iOS 12.4.2. Released without betas or fanfare on Thursday, the update is available to download now by a selection of older devices.
The list of compatible hardware for the iOS 12.4.2 update includes the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 6 family of smartphones, the first-generation iPad Air, the second and third-generation iPad mini, and the sixth-generation iPod touch.
Older models, including the fifth-generation iPod touch, the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5, and the iPad 4, are currently not able to update, and have to remain on earlier iOS releases at this time.
At the same time, Apple has issued updates for the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2. The updates, firmware updates for watchOS 5.3.2, are available for both 38mm and 42mm variants of both Apple Watch generations.
It is unclear exactly what Apple is including as part of the update releases, but it is likely to include a variety of performance and bug fixes, as well as updating apps to work with other services Apple provides.
Comments
It's a good thing though that Apple released this for those people who still use older devices and want to have the newest security updates etc. Apple devices are useful and function well for a far longer time than anything else out there. It's not even close.
Every single Apple user out there is on their own update schedule, and there are many, many people out there still using older Apple devices. And why shouldn't they, as long as the devices still function well and the user is happy?
What's your battery health at? Mine's at 93%
If yours is 80 or below, then that might explain your issue.
Tha SE has twice that amount.
Either way, if you're happy with your current OS, and don't want to upgrade, then that's your choice.
To be clear, it's not as if the phone has become crippled, it's just that I have noticed that the scrolling is no longer a buttery smooth 60 frames per second, and some third party apps have really taken a nosedive. My guess is that Apple's apps are specifically optimized to work within the overhead constraints of the new OS, whereas some third parties haven't yet optimized for older devices (and may never).
Also, has anyone noticed a lag/delay in deleting or archiving messages from the Mail app? Sometimes I end up pressing the icon twice.... and I'm not certain if it's just a delay, or if the hitbox has actually changed and the initial press was not registered.
Agreed - I have an 8 (work) and an SE (personal), and I simply enjoy the feel and balance of the smaller phone more. I think that many iPhone users have forgotten what it was like to use the smaller form factor, and now immediately dismiss it as obsolete.
I guess it makes sense that you wont be able to update your series 4 watch to newest watch OS, since the watch is basically an extension of the phone, and they both need to be on latest OS version to work properly and sync together.
The iPhone 6 got cut off this year from getting iOS 13. I think it had a pretty good lifespan.
If you can, I suggest upgrading -- even if only to a 7 or 8. It's well worth it.