Eight Legacy iPhones Receive New Security Update from Apple, Download Mandatory
Apple has released new operating system versions for several legacy devices, including a number of older iPhone models. These updates deliver important security patches to ensure devices remain protected from potential cyber attacks.
The updates include iOS 16.7.15, iOS 15.8.7, iPadOS 16.7.15, and iPadOS 15.8.7, which were released on Wednesday 11 March 2026.
These iOS versions are intended for legacy devices that are no longer compatible with the latest iOS version but continue to receive security support from Apple.
Through this update, at least eight legacy iPhone models continue to receive important security updates from Apple. In addition to iPhones, the new operating system is also available for several older iPad and iPod devices.
One of the vulnerabilities being patched is located in the kernel, the core component of the operating system that regulates interaction between hardware and software. This security vulnerability allows malicious applications to execute code with kernel privileges. If exploited, attackers could potentially gain wider control over devices.
Additionally, Apple has also patched vulnerabilities in WebKit, the browser engine used by Safari. This vulnerability allows harmful web content to execute certain code that can attack devices. In some cases, exploitation could even trigger memory malfunction when users visit malicious websites.
Apple explains that some of these security patches had actually already been implemented in newer iOS versions since 2023 through 2024. However, through this update, the same patches are now also being provided for older devices that can no longer be updated to the latest iOS generation.
Users can download the update through Settings > General > Software Update on their respective devices.
In addition to eight iPhone models, the update is also available for several other devices such as iPad (5th generation), iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation), iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, and iPod touch (7th generation).