Last week, Apple released iOS 13. And then, earlier this week, Apple released iOS 13.1. However, while the new software is supported on a wide range of older devices, not all of Apple’s aging hardware can support the new software.
As such, Apple has released an update to iOS 12 for the devices out there in the wild that can’t support iOS 13. On Thursday, Apple released iOS 12.4.2 to those devices. The new software is available for the iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, the iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and the 6th-generation iPod touch.
As is par for the course, the new software is available as a free upgrade. It’s available to download and install on those aforementioned devices. Open the Settings app, then select General –> Software Update and follow the onscreen instructions.
The new software is likely a minor update in the grand scheme of things, which will include bug squashing and general software and performance improvements.
In addition to that, Apple also released a minor update to watchOS 5, bringing the software version to watchOS 5.3.2. Just like the iOS 12 update, this is meant for older Apple Watch models that do not support the recent public launch of watchOS 6. In this case, watchOS 5.3.2 is available for the Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2 models.
To update, the Apple Watch must be connected to its charger, have at least 50% battery life, and be connected and within range of the iPhone. It can be initiated by opening the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone, selecting General –> Software Update and following the onscreen instructions.