SYDNEY, Jan 30, 2026, 20:28 AEDT
- Telstra says an Apple “carrier settings” patch can restore service for some older iPhones hit by a network glitch
- The fault blocked calls and texts, including to Australia’s emergency number, Triple Zero (000)
- Apple paused several iOS updates for older devices while the issue was investigated (Whistleout)
Telstra said Apple has released a carrier settings update to fix a problem that stopped some older iPhones connecting to its mobile network, including for emergency calls to Triple Zero (000). The telco said emergency calls should still connect via another mobile network if one is available, but it can take about a minute for a handset to latch on. (Telstra.com)
The disruption has sharpened focus on how well older phones can reach 000 as networks and device software change, and as Australians lean more on mobiles in emergencies. The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman said it was aware of reports that some people were having difficulty contacting Triple Zero using older Apple devices. (Tio)
Telstra has flagged iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X models updated to iOS 16.7.13 as potentially impacted, with users unable to make or receive calls. “She can’t make or receive any calls, it just goes straight to voicemail,” Sydney resident Gordon Heathcote told ABC; opposition communications spokesperson Melissa McIntosh urged people to check affected phones and make other arrangements if needed. (ABC News)
Apple acknowledged the issue, saying some customers on Telstra’s network were unable to make and receive calls on those models after updating. “We have identified a fix that will be available in an upcoming software update,” an Apple spokesperson said. (Information Age)
Apple also paused the rollout of several updates for older iPhone models while the Australian connectivity problem was being addressed, including iOS 18.7.4, iOS 16.7.13, iOS 15.8.6 and iOS 12.5.8. A Telstra support notice cited by 9to5Mac said customers with affected devices should delay updates until the issue is resolved. (9to5Mac)
The fix comes via a carrier bundle — a small settings update that changes network-related configurations without needing a full iOS install — and Telstra said the “Service Provider” field should show “Telstra 54.1” once installed. iOS 16.7.13 itself remains unavailable to download, and it is unclear whether Apple will reissue it or fold the fix into a different release. (MacRumors)
Some Telstra Wholesale users were given similar guidance, with ALDI Mobile telling customers on iOS 16.7.13 to connect to Wi‑Fi, open Settings > General > About, accept the carrier update, then confirm “Telstra 54.1” appears. (ALDI Mobile)
Rival networks were not showing the same issue. 9News reported Optus and TPG/Vodafone users were not affected and said newer iPhone models were also outside the problem set. (9News)
But the episode underscores a basic risk for older devices: if a handset loses service and the owner cannot easily pull down a patch — or is in an area where switching networks is slow — reaching 000 can become harder at the worst time. Telstra has warned it can take up to a minute for an affected phone to connect to an alternative network for emergency calls. (Tech Guide)
Apple has since resumed signing some of the paused iOS releases, but iOS 16.7.13 remains unsigned, suggesting the company sees the fault as tied to that build. Apple’s older-device updates this week were aimed at keeping core services running on phones that no longer receive major iOS upgrades. (MacRumors)
