Apple Urges Australians: Update iPhones for Critical Emergency Service Access
Apple is advising Australians to update their iPhone software to ensure continued access to emergency services, especially during natural disasters. This recommendation follows incidents in December where some older mobile phones, including iPhone 12 models, experienced a “technical failure” preventing them from connecting to Triple-0.
The prior issue primarily affected individuals in regional areas attempting to make emergency calls when their primary network was unavailable, even when an alternative network should have been accessible.
Understanding the Technical Glitch
Apple has clarified that Australian mobile network operators are improving support for emergency calling. However, the initial problem stemmed from certain devices failing to connect to Triple-0 through an alternate available network when the primary network was inaccessible – a crucial feature in areas with patchy coverage.
In scenarios where these circumstances recur, some mobile phones might still encounter difficulties reaching Triple-0 via an alternate available network. The iOS 26.2.1 update is specifically designed to resolve this technical issue.
Affected Devices Requiring Urgent Update
Apple has identified numerous iPhone models requiring this update:
- iPhone SE (1st and 2nd generation)
- iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus
- iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max
Additionally, Apple Watch users with the following models are also urged to update their devices:
- SE 2
- Series 6
- Series 7
- Series 8
- Series 9
- Series 10
- Ultra
- Ultra 2
Timely Advice Amidst Victoria's Severe Weather Crisis
This critical update advice comes amidst a severe weather emergency in Victoria, Australia. The state is currently grappling with an out-of-control bushfire and record-breaking heatwave temperatures. Compounding the situation, over 50,000 homes in the region have experienced power outages due to the extreme heatwave conditions, underscoring the vital importance of reliable emergency communication during such events.