Apple has confirmed a rare technical failure in Australia that stopped some older mobile phones from making emergency calls by dialing 000. The company says the risk of this happening again is low, but it has shared steps you should take to stay protected.
The issue affected people in regional areas who tried to call emergency services when their main mobile network was unavailable. Even though another network was available, the call did not always connect. Apple says mobile operators are already working to reduce the chances of this happening again.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
According to Apple’s support document, most iPhone models are not affected. iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, and all iPhone models from iPhone 13 and newer work as expected. The situation mainly concerns iPhone 12 users.
Apple explains that iOS 26.2, released last week, adds support to handle this emergency calling scenario on iPhone 12. If you use this model, installing the update matters. It improves how your phone connects to emergency services when networks switch or fail.
Apple also says that if it later finds older iPhone models affected, your mobile operator will contact you directly with guidance. For now, the company stresses that these cases are rare and linked to unusual network conditions.
How to update your iPhone
Keeping your software up to date helps you avoid issues like this. You can update your iPhone in a few quick steps.
- Open the Settings app
- Tap General
- Tap Software Update and install the latest version
Apple also reminds you that iPhone supports multiple ways to reach emergency services. These include standard cellular networks, Wi-Fi Calling, and satellite features where available. Together, these options improve your chances of staying connected when coverage is limited.
Australian mobile operators continue to improve emergency calling support across their networks. While the failure raised concerns, Apple says fixes are already in progress. Your best step is simple. Update your iPhone and make sure your software stays current.
Discussion