How to Install the iOS 12.5.4 Update on Your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
Apple released the iOS 12.5.4 update in mid-2021 for some older iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch models to fix three security issues that could give other parties access to a device. Here’s what you need to do to install the iOS 12.5.4 update on your old iPod Touch, iPad, or iPhone.
Which Apple Devices Can Get the iOS 12.5.4 Update?
Apple’s iOS 12.5.4 operating system update is available for iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus iPhone models, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3 iPad models, and 6th generation iPod Touch devices. The installation process could take anywhere from several minutes to over an hour depending on your internet speed. If you haven’t updated your iPhone in a while and it’s an iPhone SE, iPhone 6S, or higher, you may receive an update prompt for a much newer operating system such as iOS 14. 7th generation iPod Touch devices are also compatible with iOS 14 and will likely receive this update as well. iPad tablets that are newer than the iPad models listed above will receive a notification for an update to either iPadOS 13 or 14.
Is My iPhone Too Old to Update?
The best thing to do if you’re unsure if your old iPhone can get a new update is to do an update check via the above process. If you know your iPhone’s model number, you can also see if it’s on the list of supported devices for iOS 13, iOS 14, and iOS 15.
Does Apple Update Older iPads?
Apple does keep older models updated for several years. As of 2021, Apple was still updating some iPads from 2015. Apple’s iPad Air, iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3 iPad models can receive this new iOS 12.5.4 update. It’s unlikely that they’ll receive any major operating system updates in the future. Older iPad models that came out before the iPad Air, iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3 are no longer receiving updates while newer models will be eligible for updates to iPadOS 13, iPadOS 14, or iPadOS 15.
iOS 12.5.4: Why You Should Update Your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad
Updating your device to iOS 12.5.4, if possible, is incredibly important as it fixes three main security flaws relating to memory corruption and management that could potentially allow other parties to remotely run commands and execute code. Even if you don’t connect to the internet that often, this new iOS update should still be installed, as your device may already be affected by these exploits.
What to Do if You Can’t Update Your Apple Device
If your Apple device doesn’t support the iOS 12.5.4 update and can’t be upgraded to another newer operating system, it’s important to understand that it currently lacks the higher level of security protection offered on newer iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch models. The best strategy in this situation is to limit when you connect the device to the internet to when you need to update apps or download media files. This can be done by turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth or by turning on Airplane Mode.
