Of all the iPhones compatible with the iOS 26.2 update, which is the iPhone 11 and newer, the iPhone 12 gets an urgent update which “provides support” for the scenario when a regional user not in range of their own network can connect to another that is in range to get through to Triple Zero emergency services, with mobile operators taking steps, too. 

The latest 26.2 updates are out for iOS, iPadOS, WatchOS, macOS, Homepod OS and tvOS, but this article concerns the ability of the iPhone 12 range to access 000 Emergency Services. 

Apple’s support article on the topic is titled; “Connecting to emergency services on iPhone in Australia“. 

The support article starts off by noting the essential nature of emergency services, and notes Australia’s size, stating: “Staying connected to emergency services is essential, especially in a country as expansive and geographically diverse as Australia.

“iPhone is designed with multiple layers of connectivity to help users reach emergency services, even when traditional cellular coverage may be limited. In addition to standard mobile networks, iPhone supports Wi-Fi Calling and satellite services to help ensure access when you need it the most. We encourage all iPhone users to keep their software up to date to take advantage of the latest connectivity features.”

So, we know Apple takes the ability to communicate in an emergency seriously, even delivering emergency SOS satellite messaging from the iPhone 14 onwards, outshining competitors by delivering emergency satellite messaging first, extending that to requesting roadside assitance, sharing location when there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, with details on how to connect iPhone 14 and above to satellite here.

As already explained above, only the iPhone 12 had a connectivity issue to Triple Zero emergency services for “some Australians in regional areas who attempted to make an emergency call when their primary mobile network was unavailable, even though an alternate network was available and should have connected the call.”

Apple states “mobile operators are taking steps to mitigate future issues”, and that “in the rare event that these exceptional circumstances affecting mobile operators’ networks were to happen again, some older mobile phones may still encounter the same issue reaching emergency services through an alternate available network.”

Apple advises “In the rare event that these exceptional circumstances affecting mobile operators’ networks were to happen again, some older mobile phones may still encounter the same issue reaching emergency services through an alternate available network,” and explains how to update iOS of iPhone, which is to go to the Settings app on your iPhone, then tapping General, then tap Software Update. The currently installed version of iOS is shown, and whether an update is available.

If an update is available, tap Download and Install, then follow the onscreen instructions.









Some history shared on the issue is that Australian mobile network operators continue to improve support for emergency calling on their networks, which follows prior incidents, including a technical failure that prevented some older mobile phones from being able to make emergency calls (Triple Zero).

This impacted some Australians in regional areas who attempted to make an emergency call when their primary mobile network was unavailable, even though an alternate network was available and should have connected the call. Mobile operators are taking steps to mitigate future issues.

So, it’s time to update your compatible iPhone, whether you have an iPhone 12 that is affected, or not, because other security issues are patched, and new features such as offline lyrics in the Apple Music app are added, More details here.