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Apple has released an urgent software update for iPhone 12 models in Australia after testing revealed a rare issue affecting access to Triple Zero (000) emergency calls during large-scale network failures.
The update, iOS 26.2, specifically addresses a compatibility problem that may prevent iPhone 12 devices from connecting to emergency services if the user’s primary mobile network becomes unavailable. Apple confirmed that the issue does not affect older or newer iPhone models, including iPhone XS, XR, 11, or devices from iPhone 13 onwards.
The concern emerged following extensive testing by Australian telecommunications providers after the nationwide Optus outage in September, which exposed weaknesses in how some devices connect to emergency services during major network disruptions.
Apple stated that the issue would only occur under exceptional circumstances, such as widespread network failures, and clarified that iPhone 12 devices function normally under standard conditions. However, users running outdated software could be at risk if a similar outage were to occur again.
Telecommunications companies, including Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone/TPG, have urged customers to update their devices immediately. While Telstra confirmed its iPhone 12 customers are not impacted, Optus and Vodafone acknowledged the rare risk and welcomed Apple’s fix.
Apple strongly recommends users install the latest update and enable automatic software updates to ensure continued access to emergency services and critical security improvements.
