Apple released iOS 26.2.1 yesterday to fix a serious problem that stopped some older iPhones from making emergency calls. The update focuses on devices that struggled to connect to emergency services, especially after a network failure in Australia. Apple also pushed matching updates for older versions of iOS and Apple Watch to make sure more users stay protected.
In an updated support document, Apple said iPhone users with an iPhone 12 or earlier should install the latest software to make sure their phones can place emergency 000 calls. Apple released iOS 18.7.4, iOS 16.7.13, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 12.5.8 for older devices. Apple also confirmed that watchOS 26.2.1 fixes possible issues on Apple Watch Series 6 and later.
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What caused the emergency call failure
Back in December, a technical failure in Australia stopped iPhone 12 models from calling emergency services. Apple fixed that issue with iOS 26.2, but the company released iOS 26.2.1 to protect more older phones and cellular Apple Watch models from similar problems.
Apple said Australian mobile network operators are still improving how their networks handle emergency calls. That work triggered the earlier iPhone 12 failure. While carriers continue to improve their systems, Apple warned that rare network problems can still happen.
Apple explained that in these unusual cases, “some older mobile phones might still encounter the same issue reaching emergency services through an alternate available network.” Because of this, Apple urges users to stay on the latest software.
Devices that need the update
Apple listed the iPhones and Apple Watch models that should install the new updates to avoid emergency call issues.
iPhones
- iPhone SE 1st generation
- iPhone SE 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, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
Apple Watch
- Apple Watch SE 2
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
These updates aim to make sure these devices can reach emergency services even when mobile networks face technical problems.
Why you should update now
Apple made it clear that these updates protect users in real emergencies. The company said users are “encouraged to update your devices to the latest software version” to avoid the risk of failed emergency calls.
If you use any of the listed iPhones or Apple Watch models, install the new updates today. It is the safest way to make sure your device can reach help when you need it most.
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