Apple has issued new updates for some of its older operating systems, including iOS 16, macOS Big Sur, and more.
On Monday, a week after software updates related to the second-generation AirTag were released, new versions of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Big Sur have been made available to end users. watchOS 9 and watchOS 10 received updates as well.
iOS 16.7.14 and iPadOS 16.7.14 increase the build number to 20H370, up from the previous 20H365. The release is primarily intended for devices that can't update to iOS 17 or later, such as the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus.
macOS Big Sur, meanwhile, received the 11.7.11 update, with build number 20G1443, up from the preceding 20G1427 update. Macs officially limited to macOS Big Sur include 2014 MacBook Pro models and 2014 iMacs, among others. macOS Catalina also received Security Update 2026-001.
For Apple Watch users, the watchOS 10.6.2 update bears the build number 21U594, up from 21U580. watchOS 10.6.2 is compatible with the original Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4, and Apple Watch Series 5.
Additionally, watchOS 9.6.4 has been released, and it changes the build number from 20U502 to 20U512. Even older Apple Watch models are now able to install the watchOS 6.3.1 update.
Monday's software releases contain updated iMessage and FaceTime certificates to ensure the two services remain operational on older devices even after January 2027.
How to update iOS, iPadOS, and macOS
In iOS and iPadOS, software updates can be installed manually from the Settings app. Navigate to General, followed by Software Update. If an update is available for your device, you can install it from here.
The same settings menu features an option for Automatic Updates. If your device has this option enabled, then there's no need to install updates manually.
The process is more or less the same with macOS Big Sur. You can update your Mac by opening the System Preferences app and navigating to Software Update.
