Apple just made iOS 12.5.7, macOS 11.7.3, and other updates available for older devices that can’t update to the latest releases.
According to AppleInsider, these updates by Apple are aimed at users who are still using older devices and operating systems and address similar bugs and security patches found in iOS 16.3 versions. and the recent macOS Ventura. The security patch notes list at least 14 different systems affected by the patched security issues.
New updated versions for the older devices listed include iOS 12.5.7, iOS 15.7.3, iPadOS 15.7.3, macOS Big Sur 11.7.3, and macOS Monterey 12.6.3. The rollout of minor updates to iOS 12 and iOS 15 is due to devices being cut off from the update process. Any device that can run iOS 13 can run iOS 15, so Apple doesn’t update every version. For example, the oldest supported device for iOS 12.5.7 is the iPhone 5s which Apple released in September 2013. Older Macs that support macOS Big Sur include the MacBook Air, Mac Pro, and MacBook Pro. 2013
Any device capable of updating to these updates should do the job of updating as soon as possible, as it addresses known security issues that could put users at risk. Systems covered by this update include AppleMobileFileIntegrity, curl, dcerpc, DiskArbitration, DriverKit, Intel Graphics Driver, PackageKit, Kernel, Mail Exchange, Maps, Screen Time, Weather, WebKit, and Windows Installer.
If devices don’t have automatic update installation enabled, users, can do this manually by going to the Settings app > General > Software Update.