Apple Releases Emergency Calling Fix and Certificate Updates for Older iPhones, Macs, and Apple Watches

Apple released a new batch of software updates today aimed at older devices that can't run the latest operating systems. The updates span iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, fixing a critical connectivity issue and extending support for key services on legacy hardware.



The updates include iOS 16.7.14 and iPadOS 16.7.14 (build 20H370) for devices such as the iPhone 8, iPhone X, and first-generation iPad Pro. The release fixes a mobile network problem that prevented some older iPhones in Australia from making emergency calls. It replaces the iOS 16.7.13 update released last week, which Apple pulled after discovering it interfered with emergency connectivity.


Apple also released macOS Big Sur 11.7.11 (build 20G1443) along with Security Update 2026-001 for macOS Catalina. According to Apple, there are no new published CVE entries. However, the Big Sur update extends digital certificates used for services like device activation, iMessage, and FaceTime. Without the update, those services would stop working on older Macs after January 2027.

On the wearable side, Apple pushed out watchOS 10.6.2 (build 21U594), watchOS 9.6.4 (build 20U512), and watchOS 6.3.1 (build 17U224). These releases keep a range of older Apple Watch models supported, including devices that no longer receive major feature updates.

The updates are available through the Settings app on supported devices. Manual installers for macOS Big Sur can be found here, and additional firmware files are available via the iClarified IPSW Wizard.