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          Apple Extends Australian Emergency Calling Fix to iOS 18.7.6

   Adam Engst

   Apple has released [1]iOS 18.7.6 with an even more curt release note
   than usual: 'This update includes bug fixes for your iPhone.' However,
   [2]the Australian version of the iOS 18 release notes provides more
   detail:

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

   So iOS 18.7.6 provides another patch for the Telstra network issue we
   covered in '[3]Apple's Certificate-Extension Updates Continue for Older
   Operating Systems' (3 February 2026). Apple has now issued fixes across
   several still-supported iOS branches:
     * [4]iOS 15.8.6 for the iPhone 6s and later models, as well as the
       iPhone SE
     * [5]iOS 16.7.14 for the iPhone X and iPhone 8 models
     * [6]iOS 18.7.6 for the iPhone XS models and iPhone XR
     * [7]iOS 26.2 for the iPhone 12 models

   Telstra's [8]support note also suggested that devices running [9]iOS
   12.5.8 could be affected. If so, Apple could issue one last patch for
   those older iPhones.

   Practically speaking, there's no reason for people outside Australia to
   install these updates unless a trip to see the kangaroos is imminent.

References

   1. https://support.apple.com/en-us/121161
   2. https://support.apple.com/en-au/121161
   3. https://tidbits.com/2026/02/03/apples-certificate-extension-updates-continue-for-older-operating-systems/
   4. https://support.apple.com/en-au/108051
   5. https://support.apple.com/en-au/101566
   6. https://support.apple.com/en-au/121161
   7. https://support.apple.com/en-au/123075#:~:text=addresses%20a%20mobile%20network%20issue%20for%20iphone%2012%20models%20when%20establishing%20a%20connection%20to%20emergency%20services%20in%20australia
   8. https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/iphone-calling-issue--what-you-need-to-know
   9. https://support.apple.com/en-au/118387

.