iPhone 5s Gets Surprise Update: Why Apple Continues Support for 13-Year-Old Device

• Apple has released iOS 12.5.8 update for the 13-year-old iPhone 5s, three years after its last update in January 2023.
• The update, also available for iPhone 6 users, extends the certificate needed for iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation beyond January 2027.
• This ensures continued functionality of core Apple services on older devices, preventing them from becoming obsolete prematurely.
• Apple's long-term support for older models, despite a stated 5-year security update policy, reinforces user confidence and brand value.
• The company's integrated hardware and software control enables such out-of-turn updates for security or expiring certificates.

Why It Matters: Apple surprises iPhone 5s users with an update extending core service functionality, showcasing its commitment to long-term device support.