Apple released several software updates at the same time, but not for the latest versions of iOS, macOS and watchOS, but for devices that have long been considered “old”. The updates are already available for older iPhones, iPads, macOS computers, and Apple Watches, and appear to be an effort to extend their lifespans by a few more years.
According to insider Aaron Perris, the company posted the following updates:
iOS 16.7.14 (20H370); iPadOS 16.7.14 (20H370); macOS Big Sur 11.7.11 (20G1443); watchOS 10.6.2 (21U594); watchOS 9.6.4 (20U512); watchOS 6.3.1 (17U224); macOS Catalina security update 2026-001.
All of these releases are for devices that no longer support current operating system versions.
With iOS 16.7.14 everything is relatively clear. This update fixes an issue that occurred in the previous version of iOS 16.7.13. Apple released it last week but was later forced to withdraw the update due to network connectivity issues affecting users in Australia.
But the updates to macOS and watchOS were a surprise. Judging by Apple's official documentation, they are not intended to eliminate vulnerabilities, but to extend the operation of key services on older devices. We're talking mainly about iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation.
Therefore, in the description of the update for macOS Big Sur, Apple clearly states that it will extend the validity of the certificates required for these functions to function properly after January 2027. Simply put, without this update, older Macs may at some point be eliminated from the Apple ecosystem.
