Apple Quietly Updates iOS 16 and macOS Big Sur, iMessage Secure Until 2027

JAKARTA - Apple has released a small update for a number of its old operating systems, including iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Big Sur. Although there are no striking new features, this update has a crucial role: ensuring iMessage and FaceTime continue to work on old devices until at least January 2027.

This update was released on Monday, February 2, about a week after Apple rolled out the second-generation AirTag-related software update. In addition to iOS and macOS, Apple also released updates for watchOS 9 and watchOS 10.

For iPhone and iPad, Apple released iOS 16.7.14 and iPadOS 16.7.14 with build number 20H370, up from the previous version 20H365. This update is specifically aimed at devices that no longer receive support for iOS 17 or newer versions, such as the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus.

On the computer line, macOS Big Sur received an update to version 11.7.11 with build number 20G1443, replacing the previous version 20G1427. A number of Macs that still rely on Big Sur include the MacBook Pro 2014 and iMac 2014. Apple also released Security Update 2026-001 for macOS Catalina, indicating that the older operating system has not been completely abandoned.

For Apple Watch users, watchOS 10.6.2 is now available with build number 21U594, up from 21U580. This update is compatible with the first generation Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4, and Series 5. In addition, Apple also released watchOS 9.6.4 which increased the build from 20U502 to 20U512. In fact, Apple Watch models that are much older can still install watchOS 6.3.1.

According to Apple, all of the software updates released on the same day bring the latest iMessage and FaceTime certificates. The goal is clear: ensure that Apple's two main communication services continue to run normally on old devices, even after January 2027.

For users, the update process is still the same as before. On iPhone and iPad, updates can be installed via the Settings menu, then General, and Software Update. Users can also enable automatic updates so that the system updates the device without manual intervention.

Meanwhile, on Mac, the macOS Big Sur update can be done through System Preferences, then Software Update.

In short, this is not an update that makes the iPhone feel "new again", but more like a routine service so that the old machine stays alive. Apple may focus on the latest iOS, but the implicit message is clear: old devices are not completely abandoned, at least for chat and video call affairs that cannot die.