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Apple halted distribution of key iOS updates on January 28, 2026, after Australian carrier Telstra reported connectivity failures on older iPhones, including inability to dial emergency 000 calls. The affected updatesiOS 16.7.13 for iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X; iOS 18.7.4; iOS 15.8.6; and iOS 12.5.8were pulled worldwide to address the issue.
Details of the Connectivity Crisis
Telstra confirmed it is investigating problems preventing older Apple devices from connecting to its network, specifically noting disruptions to 000 emergency calls. Apple released these updates earlier this week, but user reports in Australia triggered the swift response. No security patches were included in the paused versions, minimizing risks during the delay.
Affected iPhone Models and Updates
- iPhone 8: iOS 16.7.13
- iPhone 8 Plus: iOS 16.7.13
- iPhone X: iOS 16.7.13
- Other legacy devices: iOS 18.7.4, 15.8.6, 12.5.8
iOS 26.2.1 for newer supported iPhones continues rolling out unaffected.
Apple's Response and Precedent
Apple's support site now shows the updates as unavailable globally, prioritizing network stability over minor maintenance releases. This mirrors past actions, like pulling iOS 13.1.1 in 2019 due to crashes. Telstra stated it is working urgently on a fix, with Apple coordinating to resume distribution once resolved.
Broader Context: iOS Update Landscape
The incident coincides with Apple's seeding of iOS 26.3 public beta 3 on January 27, 2026, focusing on EU-mandated interoperability features like Android notification forwarding and proximity pairing. iOS 26.3 public release is expected late January or early February.
Apple's update strategy emphasizes caution, especially for legacy devices supporting Apple Intelligence in newer lines. This week's Creator Studio app bundle launch on January 28 adds to the timing, though unrelated.
Impact on Users and Timeline
Users on vulnerable firmware remain secure without patches, but cannot update until cleared. Expect resumption within days, based on Telstra's active probe. Newer devices face no disruptions, maintaining focus on features like Visual Intelligence in iOS 26 betas.
For context, Apple's 2026 roadmap includes over 20 products, from M5 MacBook Pros to HomePod Touch, but software stability remains paramount. Ming-Chi Kuo notes steady iPhone 18 pricing despite memory cost hikes, underscoring hardware-software balance.