In an extraordinary move that has caught the attention of security researchers and technology analysts alike, Apple has issued security patches for iPhone models dating back more than ten years, including devices running iOS 12 and iOS 13. This rare action by the Cupertino-based tech giant represents a significant departure from its typical support cycle and raises important questions about the company’s evolving approach to legacy device security in an era of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

According to TechRadar, Apple released security updates for iOS 12.5.7 and iOS 13.7, addressing critical vulnerabilities that could potentially allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The patches specifically target CVE-2025-24200 and CVE-2025-24201, two vulnerabilities discovered in the Core Media and WebKit components respectively. These flaws could enable attackers to process specially crafted files or web content to compromise affected devices, making the updates particularly crucial for users who continue to rely on older hardware.

The timing and scope of these updates are particularly noteworthy. iOS 12, initially released in September 2018, was designed to support devices as old as the iPhone 5s, which launched in 2013. For Apple to provide security patches for software that is now seven years old—supporting hardware that is even older—represents an unusual commitment to long-term device security. This extended support window exceeds what many competitors offer and suggests that Apple is responding to both security imperatives and user retention concerns in a market where device replacement cycles have lengthened considerably.

The Business Case for Extended Security Support

Industry analysts suggest multiple factors are driving Apple’s decision to support these aging devices. The global smartphone market has seen a notable trend toward longer device ownership, with consumers increasingly reluctant to upgrade as frequently as they once did. Economic pressures, combined with incremental improvements in newer models, have led many users to extend the life of their existing devices. By providing security updates for older iPhones, Apple not only protects its brand reputation but also maintains user trust and loyalty within its ecosystem, potentially keeping users engaged with other Apple services and products.

The security vulnerabilities addressed in these updates are not trivial. The kernel-level access enabled by CVE-2025-24200 represents a severe threat, as it could allow attackers to gain complete control over affected devices. Similarly, the WebKit vulnerability CVE-2025-24201 poses risks through web-based attacks, which have become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. Apple’s decision to patch these vulnerabilities in decade-old software demonstrates the company’s awareness that legacy devices remain attractive targets for cybercriminals, particularly as they may be used by individuals or organizations with less robust security practices.

Technical Implications and Security Architecture

The technical challenge of backporting security fixes to older operating systems should not be underestimated. Each version of iOS has distinct code architecture, and adapting patches designed for current systems to work with legacy code requires significant engineering resources. The fact that Apple has invested these resources suggests that the company identified these vulnerabilities as particularly serious or that the number of devices still running these older systems remains substantial enough to warrant the effort.

Security researchers have noted that the Core Media vulnerability is especially concerning because it affects the fundamental media processing capabilities of iOS. Given the ubiquity of media content in modern mobile usage—from photos and videos to streaming services—this attack vector presents numerous opportunities for exploitation. The vulnerability could potentially be triggered simply by opening a maliciously crafted image or video file, making it particularly dangerous for unsuspecting users.

Market Impact and Competitive Positioning

Apple’s extended support for legacy devices stands in stark contrast to practices common in the Android ecosystem, where many devices receive security updates for only two to three years after release. This disparity has long been a point of differentiation for Apple, though the company has not typically extended support quite this far back. The move could strengthen Apple’s position in debates about device longevity and environmental sustainability, areas where the company has faced criticism despite its recycling and trade-in programs.

The update also has implications for the enterprise market, where older devices often remain in service longer than in consumer contexts. Many organizations continue to use older iPhones for specific business applications, particularly in industries where the cost of hardware replacement across large employee bases is prohibitive. By providing security updates for these devices, Apple helps maintain its credibility as an enterprise solution provider and reduces the security risks that could arise from organizations being forced to choose between unsupported devices and expensive hardware refreshes.

User Adoption Challenges and Communication Strategy

Despite the availability of these critical security updates, one significant challenge remains: ensuring that users of older devices actually install them. Many individuals who continue using decade-old iPhones may be less engaged with technology updates or may not regularly check for software updates. Apple’s notification systems for older iOS versions may also be less prominent than those in current operating systems, potentially limiting the reach of these important security patches.

The company’s relatively quiet release of these updates—without the fanfare typically accompanying major iOS releases—suggests a targeted approach focused on addressing specific security concerns rather than drawing attention to the age of the affected devices. This measured communication strategy likely aims to balance security transparency with avoiding any perception that Apple’s newer devices might be vulnerable to similar issues.

Regulatory and Legal Considerations

The decision to patch these older systems may also reflect Apple’s awareness of evolving regulatory expectations around device security and longevity. European Union regulations, including the proposed “right to repair” legislation and requirements for longer software support periods, are pushing technology manufacturers toward extended support commitments. While these regulations primarily target newer devices, Apple’s proactive approach to legacy device security could position the company favorably as these regulatory frameworks develop and expand.

Furthermore, the legal liability associated with known security vulnerabilities in widely deployed devices creates incentives for companies to address such issues even in older products. As cybersecurity incidents increasingly result in litigation and regulatory scrutiny, maintaining security for legacy devices becomes not just a customer service issue but a risk management imperative.

Environmental and Sustainability Dimensions

The environmental implications of Apple’s extended security support are significant and align with growing corporate and consumer emphasis on sustainability. By enabling users to safely continue using older devices, Apple reduces the pressure for premature hardware replacement, thereby decreasing electronic waste. This approach supports the company’s stated environmental goals while also responding to consumer demand for products that deliver longer-term value.

The circular economy benefits extend beyond individual users. Third-party refurbishment markets, which have grown substantially in recent years, benefit from extended software support that maintains the viability and security of older devices. This ecosystem of refurbished devices makes iPhone ownership accessible to price-sensitive consumers in both developed and emerging markets, expanding Apple’s effective user base without requiring new hardware production.

Looking Forward: Implications for Apple’s Support Strategy

This unprecedented security update raises questions about whether Apple will establish a new precedent for legacy device support or whether this represents an exceptional response to particularly serious vulnerabilities. The company has not announced any formal policy changes regarding its support timeline for older devices, leaving uncertainty about future expectations. However, the technical capability and willingness to support decade-old devices has now been demonstrated, potentially creating user expectations for similar support in future scenarios.

The incident also highlights the ongoing tension between security requirements and planned obsolescence in the technology industry. While manufacturers have business incentives to encourage regular hardware upgrades, the security imperative to protect users—regardless of their device age—creates competing pressures. Apple’s handling of this situation may influence how other technology companies approach similar dilemmas and could contribute to industry-wide discussions about appropriate support lifecycles for consumer electronics.

For users still operating older iPhones, the message is clear: these devices remain viable and secure options when properly updated, challenging assumptions about necessary upgrade cycles. As the technology industry continues to grapple with questions of sustainability, security, and consumer value, Apple’s decision to patch decade-old devices may represent an important inflection point in how manufacturers balance these competing priorities.