Apple Fixes Emergency Call Bug on Older iPhones

Millions of Apple users can now reach emergency services reliably after the tech giant rolled out a crucial software fix for older devices. The update solves a rare but serious problem that could have blocked triple-zero calls during network outages.

Apple first spotted the issue in December after some older smartphones failed to switch to backup networks when calling emergency services. The company quickly developed a fix and expanded its update to cover devices stretching back to 2015, ensuring nearly a decade of iPhones stay safe.

The affected devices include everything from the original iPhone SE through the iPhone 12 series, plus Apple Watches from Series 6 through the latest models. That covers millions of Australians who rely on these devices every day.

The problem only appeared during exceptional network failures when phones needed to jump to an alternative carrier to complete emergency calls. While these situations are rare, Apple didn't wait for another incident to act.

The Bright Side

This story showcases how quickly tech companies can respond when safety is on the line. Apple didn't downplay the risk or delay the fix. Instead, they proactively expanded their alert and made the update available to everyone who might need it.

The solution is remarkably simple too. Users just need to check their settings and install the latest software update. No new phone required, no service appointments, no costs.

Australian telecommunications providers have been working hard to prevent network failures since the original incident. Combined with Apple's fix, the chances of anyone experiencing this problem again have dropped dramatically.

The update also demonstrates the longevity of Apple devices. A phone from 2015 can still receive critical safety updates in 2026, protecting users who keep their devices longer for environmental or financial reasons.

Installing the update takes just minutes and works over WiFi, making it accessible to everyone regardless of their mobile plan. Apple has made the process as straightforward as possible, with clear instructions appearing automatically for affected users.

One simple software update just made emergency services more reliable for millions of Australians who depend on older devices.