Apple has released iOS 26.2.1, an important update that all iPhone users should apply now. Here's what you need to know.

When Apple stops supporting older iPhones and iPads with the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, it usually isn’t the end of the line—Apple keeps releasing new security-only patches for those devices for another year or two, keeping them usable while their hardware is still reasonably capable.

Apple today seeded the third betas of upcoming iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after the release of the second betas. Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting the Software Update option.

Apple's upcoming iOS 26.3 update will introduce a setting that limits how precisely carriers can determin your location.

Apple’s iOS 26 introduces smarter call screening tools that help iPhone users automatically detect, filter, and block annoying spam calls.

Apple today released iOS 26.2.1 and iPadOS 26.2.1, minor updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems. The new software comes a month after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

Apple has released iOS 12.5.8 for a small group of older devices, to make sure they can continue using FaceTime and iMessage.

Apple has released iOS 12.5.8 and iPadOS 12.5.8 for a limited set of older devices, extending the security certificate required for iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation beyond027.

While iOS 26.3 is shaping up to be a modest update, iOS 26.4 is expected to make a significantly larger impact on the iPhone operating system roadmap.