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iOS 12.5.8 Update for iPhone 5s+: News, Reviews & Not Installing Fixes

By Anna Sherry

2026-01-29 / iPhone Tips

Apple has unexpectedly released iOS 12.5.8 for older devices like the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6—more than a decade after their original launch. While this update doesn’t bring new features, it plays a critical role in keeping essential services working on legacy iPhones.

These models can’t upgrade to newer iOS versions, but Apple continues to provide critical fixes to ensure core services remain functional. iOS 12.5.8 and iPadOS 12.5.8 are available for the following devices:

• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus
• iPad Air
• iPad mini 2
• iPad mini 3
• iPod touch (6th generation)

The main purpose of this update is to extend system certificates, preventing features like FaceTime, iMessage, and device activation from breaking after 2027. In other words, it’s a “keep-alive” update rather than a feature upgrade.

This move once again highlights Apple’s long-term support strategy—even for devices released over 12 years ago.

In this guide, we’ll explain what's new in iOS 12.5.8, whether you should install it, real user reviews, and how to fix common issues like iOS 12.5.8 not installing.

What’s New in iOS 12.5.8?

To set expectations clearly: iOS 12.5.8 does not introduce new features or UI changes.

Here’s what it actually does:

• Extends expired or expiring system certificates
• Maintains compatibility with Apple online services
• Improves long-term system stability
• Fixes underlying security-related issues

If you’re hoping for performance boosts or modern app support, this update won’t deliver that. Its value lies in stability and continued usability.

iOS 12.5.8 Reviews: Should You Update iPhone 5s? (Reddit Opinions)

After Apple released iOS 12.5.8, users on Reddit’s r/ios quickly shared their thoughts—and the overall sentiment is calmly positive.

Most Redditors weren’t expecting new features. Instead, they appreciated that Apple is still maintaining critical services for a device released over a decade ago. Several users pointed out that this update helps keep iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation working, which matters if the iPhone 5s is still used as a backup phone or secondary device.

Some users mentioned they still actively use their old iPhones for basic tasks like messaging, music, or testing, and for them, iOS 12.5.8 is a welcome “maintenance update” rather than something to skip.

That said, a few commenters were indifferent, noting that they no longer use such old hardware. Importantly, no major performance or battery issues were widely reported after installing the update.

Reddit consensus in short: If you still use an iPhone 5s or iPhone 6, updating to iOS 12.5.8 is recommended. It won’t make the device faster, but it helps ensure it keeps working.

How to Install iOS 12.5.8 on iPhone 5s or iPhone 6

Installing the update is straightforward if your device is in good condition:

• Open Settings
• Go to General
• Tap Software Update
• Download and install iOS 12.5.8

Before updating, make sure:

• You’re connected to stable Wi-Fi
• Battery is above 50% or plugged in
• You have enough free storage

iOS 12.5.8 Not Installing? Common Problems and Fixes

Many users report issues when installing iOS 12.5.8 on older hardware. Below are the most common problems and how to fix them.

iOS 12.5.8 Stuck on “Preparing Update”

This often happens due to limited memory or temporary system glitches.

Fixes:

• Restart your iPhone
• Free up storage (delete unused apps/photos)
• Try updating again after reconnecting to Wi-Fi

iOS 12.5.8 Failed to Install

If the update fails mid-way, the issue may be network or system related.

Fixes:

• Reset network settings
• Update using a computer (iTunes/Finder)
• Ensure Apple servers are reachable

iOS 12.5.8 Unable to Verify Update

This is common on very old devices.

Fixes:

• Check date & time settings (set automatically)
• Reboot the device
• Retry later when Apple servers are less busy

Fix iOS 12.5.8 Update Issues Without Data Loss (Recommended)

If you’ve tried everything above and your iPhone 5s still can’t install iOS 12.5.8—or gets stuck during the update—a system repair tool can help.

Tenorshare ReiBoot is a professional iOS system repair tool designed to fix update-related issues without requiring advanced technical skills. It works particularly well with legacy iPhones like the iPhone 5s that are prone to update failures, verification errors, or endless loading screens.

Why ReiBoot Is Helpful Here

• Fixes iOS update stuck or failed issues
• Repairs system errors without data loss
• Supports legacy iOS versions, including iOS 12
• Much easier than manual iTunes restore

For users who can’t risk losing photos, messages, or app data, ReiBoot is a safer alternative than restoring the device completely.

FAQs About iOS 12.5.8 Update on iPhone 5s/6

Is iOS 12.5.8 the last update for iPhone 5s?

Most likely, yes. Apple typically releases these updates only when certificate or security maintenance is required.

Does iOS 12.5.8 slow down iPhone 5s?

No major slowdown has been reported. Since there are no new features, performance remains largely the same.

Can I downgrade after installing iOS 12.5.8?

Downgrading is generally not supported unless Apple is still signing the previous version, which is unlikely.

Is iOS 12.5.8 safe to install in 2026?

Yes. It’s specifically released to keep legacy devices functional and secure for the coming years.

Final Thoughts

The release of iOS 12.5.8 proves that Apple hasn’t completely abandoned its oldest iPhones. While it won’t modernize your iPhone 5s, it ensures the device remains usable and connected.

If the update installs smoothly, great. If not—and especially if your device gets stuck—using a trusted repair tool like Tenorshare ReiBoot can save you time, frustration, and data loss.

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Tenorshare ReiBoot - Fix iOS Issues

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