Australian Police Issue Urgent Alert Over iPhone 000 Call Disruption
Police forces in multiple Australian states and territories have issued a critical public warning to iPhone users, advising that updating software on certain older devices could potentially block access to emergency triple-zero (000) services. This alert follows telecommunications giant Telstra confirming it is investigating a network connectivity issue affecting some legacy Apple smartphones.
Telstra Investigates Critical Network Connectivity Problem
Telstra has publicly stated it is examining an issue that prevents specific older Apple devices from connecting properly to its mobile network. This disruption includes the alarming possibility of users being unable to contact emergency services through the 000 number. The telecommunications provider has strongly recommended that customers using affected devices delay installing the latest software updates until Telstra confirms the problem has been fully resolved.
According to Telstra's investigation, impacted devices may include:
- 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
Apple Pauses Software Updates as Investigation Continues
In a public statement released on Wednesday, January 28, Telstra confirmed: "We're working on this as a priority with Apple and will share updates as we have them." The company further noted that Apple has temporarily paused software updates released this week for several older iPhone models while the investigation proceeds. These paused updates reportedly include iOS 18.7.4, iOS 16.7.13, iOS 15.8.6, and iOS 12.5.8.
Following Telstra's initial notice, ACT Policing and the New South Wales Police Force promptly posted public alerts across their official social media channels. Victoria Police and South Australia Police joined with similar warnings on Thursday morning, all advising users of older Apple devices to postpone software updates until further notice.
Potential Workaround and Resolution Timeline
In a Thursday morning update at 9am, Telstra provided some reassurance, stating: "Calls to 000 will automatically connect on an alternative mobile network if one is available." However, the company cautioned that this process might require approximately one minute for the affected device to establish connection with the alternative network when available.
By 11am on Thursday, Telstra delivered more promising news, announcing that Apple had identified a fix for the connectivity issue. This resolution will be implemented in an upcoming software update, though specific timing details remain undisclosed. Telstra has committed to providing ongoing updates through its official website as the situation develops.
This incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining reliable emergency communication pathways, particularly as software updates become increasingly frequent in our digitally connected lives. Australian authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while urging affected iPhone users to exercise caution with their device updates.
