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   Apple's Certificate-Extension Updates Continue for Older Operating Systems

   Adam Engst

   Apple has now released another batch of updates for older versions of
   its operating systems (see '[1]Apple Releases OS 26.2.1 for AirTag
   2, Extends Certificates on Older Versions,' 26 January 2026). Release
   notes have been updated for only two'macOS 11.7.11 Big Sur and macOS
   10.15.8 Catalina'and they nearly match the last set of older releases,
   differing only in the use of the word 'certification' instead of
   'certificate.' I'd put money on the three watchOS releases also
   extending the certificate.

     This update extends the certification required by features such as
     iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation to continue working after
     January 2027.

   The full set of releases includes:
     * [2]iOS 16.7.14 and [3]iPadOS 16.7.14
     * [4]macOS Big Sur 11.7.11
     * [5]macOS Catalina 10.15.8
     * [6]watchOS 10.6.2
     * [7]watchOS 9.6.4
     * [8]watchOS 6.3.1

The Sixteen Stumper

   Although Apple has not yet issued release notes for [9]iOS 16.7.14 and
   [10]iPadOS 16.7.14, we can look back at what we learned about the
   previous version. The release notes for iOS 16.7.13 and iPadOS 16.7.13
   continue to say only:

     This update provides important bug fixes and is recommended for all
     users.

   TidBITS reader David Duke wrote in after our previous article to note
   that iOS 16.7.13 included [11]additional release notes in Australia, so
   it did indeed contain important bug fixes, probably in addition to the
   extended certificate:

     This update addresses a mobile network issue for iPhone X and iPhone
     8 models when establishing a connection to emergency services in
     Australia.

   Australian cellular carrier Telstra has a support note about this
   situation:

     We're currently investigating an issue preventing some older Apple
     devices from connecting to our network. We're working on this as a
     priority with Apple and will share updates as we have them.

     Devices that may be impacted:
     * iPhone 8 updated to iOS 16.7.13
     * iPhone 8 Plus updated to iOS 16.7.13
     * iPhone X updated to iOS 16.7.13

   Telstra says on that page that other iOS versions are also impacted,
   suggesting that we may see additional releases once Apple figures out
   the glitch with the Telstra network:

     Apple has paused software updates released this week for some older
     iPhone models while they investigate. These include iOS 18.7.4, iOS
     16.7.13, iOS 15.8.6, iOS 12.5.8

The Catalina Conundrum

   Interestingly, macOS 10.15.8 Catalina was not included in the list of
   new releases on the Apple Security Updates page (they all lack CVE
   entries), but that page also lists Security Update 2026-001 Catalina. I
   can't find any additional information about that security update, so my
   best guess at the moment is that Apple made a publishing error and will
   correct the list soon.

   

References

   Visible links
   1. https://tidbits.com/2026/01/26/apple-releases-os-26-2-1-for-airtag-2-extends-certificates-on-older-versions/
   2. https://support.apple.com/en-us/101566
   3. https://support.apple.com/en-us/108050
   4. https://support.apple.com/en-us/106338
   5. https://support.apple.com/en-us/101184
   6. https://support.apple.com/en-us/119065
   7. https://support.apple.com/en-us/117792
   8. https://support.apple.com/en-us/118388
   9. https://support.apple.com/en-us/101566
  10. https://support.apple.com/en-us/108050
  11. https://support.apple.com/en-au/101566

   Hidden links:
  12. https://tidbits.com/uploads/2026/02/more-certificate-updates.png

.