Apple Releases iOS 12.4.2 Update for Older iPhones and iPads

Although iOS 13 has been available for a week, Apple today released an iOS 12.4.2 update designed for those who still run versions of iOS 12 on devices that can not be updated to iOS 13.

Apple makes iOS 12.4.2 available for the original iPad, the iPad mini 2, the iPad mini 3, the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 6, the iPhone 6 Plus and the sixth generation iPod touch, which are not all compatible with iOS 13.

The iOS 12.4.2 update can be downloaded to eligible devices over the air by opening the Settings application, selecting the General section and tapping Software Update.

What's included in iOS 12.4.2 is not clear, but it's probably a security update that adds important security fixes for older devices who were not able to get these updates via the newer software. The Apple release notes indicate that the update "includes enhancements, provides important security updates, and is recommended for all users."

A security support document that comes with the update indicates that it fixes a vulnerability that could allow a remote attacker to terminate an application or code execution arbitrarily.