Apple has released iOS 12.4.2 for iPhone and iPad models that were not compatible with iOS 13 and the later iOS 13.1 for iPhone and iPadOS 13.1 for iPad updates.
iOS 12.4.2 is therefore only available for iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, and iPod touch 6th generation. Newer model iPhone and iPad devices will instead need to move to iOS 13 or later.
iOS 12.4.2 is said to include “improvements” and “important security updates”, making it a recommended updater for users who have eligible devices.
Installing iOS 12.4.2 Update
Users who are eligible for iOS 12.4.2 can find the update available to download now from the Settings app > General > Software Update section.
As always, be sure to backup any device before updating system software. Backing up iPhone or iPad to iCloud, iTunes, or both is recommended.
iOS 12.4.2 IPSW Files
Users who are comfortable using firmware files can also update eligible devices to iOS 12.4.2 by using IPSW from Apple:
- iPad Air
- iPad mini 3
- iPad mini 2
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 5s GSM
- iPod touch 6th generation
Release notes accompanying iOS 12.4.2 are brief, but a separate security release note says the update resolves an exploit where a “remote attacker may be able to cause unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution”.
Separately, watchOS 5.3.2 is available for Apple Watch models that are not compatible with watchOS 6.
Apple also released macOS Mojave 10.14.6 Supplemental Update 2 for Mac users running Mojave, and security updates for High Sierra and Sierra, all of which include security enhancements for the Mac operating systems.