On Monday, Apple released new updates for older versions of its iPhones, Macs and smartwatches to address issues that came with the previous updates.  

Users had claimed that they were facing emergency call failures and network connectivity issues. These new updates would also allow applications like iMessage and FaceTime to continue working beyond 2027. 

Here is everything you need to know: 

iOS Updates 

Apple rolled out iOS 16.7.14 (and the matching iPadOS 16.7.14) to address the connectivity bug introduced in the iOS 16.7.13 release. The earlier update prevented some iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X from making emergency service calls on certain mobile networks in Australia. The new update restores proper network support, so these devices can reach emergency services again. 

Apple had previously withdrawn the iOS 16.7.13 build after reports surfaced that affected devices couldn’t connect to the network, and carriers like Telstra confirmed they were investigating the problem. 

To download the update go to Settings > General > Software Update on eligible iPhones. 

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macOS and watchOS Updates 

Also, Apple released macOS 11.7.11(Big Sur), macOS Catalina Security Update 2026-001, watchOS 10.6.2, watchOS 9.6.4 and watchOS 6.3.1 for older Macs and Apple Watches — systems that can’t run the latest macOS 26 or watchOS 11 releases.  

These updates are meant to update the critical certificates used by applications like iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation to extend their validity past January 2027 so that affected devices don’t lose those functionalities when the old certificates expire. 

On the Mac, the update is available via System Preferences > Software Update.  

On Apple Watch models, users can install the update through the Watch app on their paired iPhone by navigating to General > Software Update. 

For watchOS, watchOS 10.6.2 is available for Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, and the original Apple Watch SE, while watchOS 9.6.4 remains the final supported release for older Apple Watch models paired with devices running iOS 16. 

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