These Apple Updates Are Now Available (and They’re More Important Than You Think)

Apple has released several important updates. Thanks to these updates, you can continue to use your older Apple gear for longer.

These Apple Updates Are Now Available (and They’re More Important Than You Think)

The new updates that Apple has released are for Macs, Apple Watches and (again) old iPhones. So there are no updates for recent models. The updates are for the models that are too old for the latest versions of iOS, macOS and watchOS. But that doesn’t make these updates any less important.

The update consists of macOS 11.7.11 for Macs stuck on Big Sur. In addition, various updates are available for older Apple Watches. Which one you need depends on how old your Apple Watch is.

So you may see an update to watchOS 10.6.2, watchOS 9.6.4 or watchOS 6.3.1. Your smartwatch will automatically show the correct update, so you don’t have to worry about putting the wrong one on your smartwatch.

Older iPhones have also received a minor update to iOS 16.7.14. The update is for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X models.

Important update for old Apple Watch, iPhone and Mac

But what do these updates do? These releases renew an important certificate. This certificate is needed for features such as iMessage, FaceTime and activating your device. Before the update, this certificate expired on January 2027. By updating this certificate, these devices will continue to work after January 2027.

The iPhone fixes a minor issue with calling emergency numbers in Australia. Everyone is offered this update, so you will have to install it.

So do you still have an Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, an old iPhone or old Mac? Then it is smart to check whether an update is available for you and update your device. To continue using your old Apple Watch on your old iPhone, you must of course also update your smartphone.

This is how you install the update

To install the updates on the Mac, go to ‘System Settings’ and ‘Software Update’. On the Apple Watch you can control this via the Watch app on your iPhone. On the iPhone, go to ‘Settings > General > Software update’.

Make sure your devices are on the charger when you update them. Then your old Apple stuff can last for a few years!

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