Apple issued iOS 12.5.8 this week for iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 models, marking the first software update in years for devices released in 2013 and 2014. The surprise release extends support beyond Apple's typical five-to-seven year window for major iOS updates.
The iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 normally would have stopped receiving updates around 2019, following Apple's standard support timeline. Most iPhones older than the iPhone 11, released in 2019, typically stop receiving major iOS updates and new features, though some continue to receive security patches. This unexpected update arrives as Apple faces mixed results with its current iPhone lineup.
Consumer Intelligence Research Partners data shows iPhone Air adoption lagging significantly behind other models. Only 6% of US iPhone buyers chose the Air in the quarter ending December 2025, compared to 22% for iPhone 17, 25% for iPhone 17 Pro, and 27% for iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple reportedly cut iPhone Air production last fall and delayed the second-generation model after sales missed expectations.
Analysts suggest consumers aren't prioritizing thin designs. "People don't care about thin phones," said CIRP analyst Josh Lowitz. Most iPhone Air buyers purchased the device to replace older phones rather than for its slim profile.
Meanwhile, Apple's iPhone 18 Pro camera development advances toward mechanical variable aperture technology. The company has reportedly entered the sampling phase for components that would physically control light intake and depth of field. Supply chain sources also indicate Apple is evaluating teleconverter technology to extend optical zoom without increasing camera bump size.
The variable aperture system has reached engineering samples, according to Weibo account Smart Pikachu. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted the iPhone 18 Pro would feature this technology, marking a first for Apple's smartphone lineup. Most reports suggest the variable aperture will debut on the main wide-angle lens, though some leakers indicate it could appear on the periscope telephoto lens in iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Apple's iPhone Air Bumper cases have dropped to record low prices, with Amazon offering the official accessories starting at $15.32 for Prime members. The cases launched at $39 in September 2025 and now show discounts up to 61%. Four color options, Light Blue, Tan, Black, and Light Gray, are available at their lowest prices since release.
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature Apple's 2-nanometer A20 chip, potentially in standard and "Ultra" variants. The device may also debut Apple's second-generation in-house C2 modem and could feature a smaller Dynamic Island. Apple typically announces new iPhone models in September, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max expected to follow that pattern in 2026.
Apple's decision to update decade-old iPhones comes as the company balances innovation with maintaining its installed base. While pushing forward with advanced camera technology and chip development, the iOS 12.5.8 release demonstrates continued support for legacy devices that would normally be considered obsolete.
