Telstra, Australia's leading telecommunications provider, has launched a high-priority investigation into a concerning software issue that could render older Apple iPhone models incapable of making or receiving phone calls. This includes the critical ability to contact emergency services by dialling Triple-0.
Which Devices Are Affected?
The problem is specifically linked to certain iPhone models that have been updated to a particular version of Apple's iOS software. Telstra has identified the following devices as potentially impacted:
- iPhone 8 updated to iOS 16.7.13
- iPhone 8 Plus updated to iOS 16.7.13
- iPhone X updated to iOS 16.7.13
Customers using these specific iPhone models with the named software version are advised to exercise caution.
Telstra's Urgent Response and Advice
In a statement, Telstra confirmed it is treating the matter with the utmost urgency. "We're working on this as a priority with Apple and will share updates as we have them," a company spokesperson said.
The telco has issued a clear and direct recommendation to its customer base: users of the affected iPhone models should delay updating the software on their device until Telstra confirms the issue has been fully resolved. This preventative advice is aimed at stopping the problem from spreading to more devices.
Emergency Services Warning
While Telstra has not disclosed the scale of the problem, the potential severity prompted the Western Australia Police Force to issue its own public warning on Wednesday afternoon.
"The WA Police Force has been made aware some older Apple devices are currently experiencing an issue where they may not be able to make or receive phone calls, including emergency calls to Triple-0," authorities stated.
The police warning included a crucial reminder for all Australians: Triple-0 should only be called in a genuine, life-threatening emergency. For users who suspect their device is affected, the advice is stark: "Affected users are urged not to try calling Triple-0, unless there is a life-threatening emergency."
What This Means for Users
The situation highlights a rare but serious intersection of consumer technology and public safety infrastructure. For owners of the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X models, the immediate course of action is to avoid any further iOS software updates and monitor official communications from Telstra and Apple closely.
Telstra has committed to providing further updates as its investigation, conducted in collaboration with Apple, progresses. The resolution of this issue is critical to ensuring these older but still widely used devices maintain their fundamental function as reliable telephones, especially in emergency situations.
