Apple has a habit of making older versions of their phones obsolete as they release new ones (Usually after 5-7 years).
That’s why it’s surprising that even though we are now on the iPhone 17, the iPhone 5s and 6s just got an update.
Since nostalgia has been trending, it makes sense that Apple is continuing the usability of these phones for people who are nostalgic for those gold iPhone 5s and iPhone 6s (especially the rose gold colour). 
The iPhone 5s and iPhone 6s, which were introduced in September 2013 and September 2014, respectively, are back to being supported with iOS 12.5.8.
By extending the necessary certificates, this update guarantees that important functions like FaceTime, iMessage, and device activation will continue to function after January 2027.
In the past, these features would have stopped working when the certificate expired, but now key features on the two older iPhones continue working for many years to come.
While the iPhone 5 and 6 are getting iOS 12.5.8, other current Apple devices are on iOS 26.
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Every iPhone that supports iOS 26
Unfortunately for XR warriors, their phones do not support the latest updates. The new iOS 26 has new features, including enhanced live translation, a much-needed reorganisation of the Camera and Photos apps, and the new “Liquid Glass” design language.
The list of iOS 26-compatible iPhones is as follows:
- iPhone SE (second generation and beyond only)
- iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 12, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 13, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 14, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 15, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
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