A significant software malfunction that disrupted triple-0 emergency calls from older Apple devices for over twelve hours has now been successfully resolved. The issue, which prevented certain iPhone models from connecting to the Telstra network, raised serious concerns about public safety and communication reliability.
Police Warning and Network Disruption
WA Police first alerted the public around 1:15 PM on Wednesday, highlighting that specific Apple devices, including three iPhone models running iOS 16.7.13 and registered to Telstra, were experiencing difficulties with making or receiving phone calls. This disruption extended to emergency services, creating a potential risk for users in urgent situations.
Delays in Emergency Response Access
Later updates from police authorities confirmed that some affected devices were not correctly connecting to triple-0. A spokesperson noted that users might encounter a 20 to 30 second delay when dialling the emergency number. In response, authorities urged anyone experiencing this problem to remain on the line, assuring that operators would eventually connect the call.
Resolution and Investigation Efforts
By Thursday morning, WA Police issued a statement confirming that the matter had been fully resolved. Telstra, in collaboration with Apple, worked diligently to address the software glitch. The telco announced that Apple had paused the distribution of recent iPhone software updates while the investigation continued.
Affected Software Updates and Recommendations
The problematic updates included iOS 18.7.4, iOS 16.7.13, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 12.5.8. Telstra advised customers using older Apple devices to delay installing these software updates until the issue was confirmed as fixed. The company emphasised that resolving the connectivity problem, particularly concerning emergency calls, was treated as a top priority.
This incident underscores the critical importance of software stability in telecommunications, especially for emergency services. Users of older iPhone models are encouraged to stay informed about updates and follow official recommendations to ensure uninterrupted access to vital communication channels.
