Apple update leaves users unable to make calls, including to Triple Zero
At least three iPhone models have been left unable to make or receive phone calls on the Telstra network after receiving an Apple software update aimed at enabling more than a dozen iPhone models to be able to communicate with Triple Zero when their primary network is unavailable.
Apple released the software update to the iPhone 12 and other older models on January 26, but iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X users soon began reporting connection issues.
Telstra confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that it was investigating an issue with making and receiving calls on devices including the Triple Zero.
“We are working primarily with Apple on this issue and will share updates as they become available,” the company said. on its website. “We recommend that customers using these devices hold off on updating the software on their devices until we confirm the issue has been resolved.”
Telstra also said on Wednesday evening that Apple had paused the software update while it investigated.
The reliability of Triple Zero services has come under scrutiny last year after a major outage at Optus was linked to three deaths that are under criminal investigation. In this case, when Optus’ service failed, many phones that needed to connect to another network to reach Triple Zero were unable to make the switch, and similar failures also affected older Samsung phones separately last year.
This month’s Apple update aimed to prevent phone users from encountering such problems in other cases.
“In the rare event that these exceptional circumstances affecting mobile operators’ networks occur again, some older mobile phones may still encounter the same problem when reaching emergency services through an available alternative network,” the company said. a post on the website.
“Software updates are available for the following iPhone and Apple Watch models that may be affected by this network issue. It is recommended that you update your devices to the latest software version.”
Apple has been contacted for comment.
One user on Reddit shared that the update “virtually rendered their phone useless.”
“Even after trying all the troubleshooting and calling my carrier, I noticed that I could only connect to Wi-Fi,” the social media user said. “No calls, no SMS, no data. My phone can only be used over Wi-Fi.”
“Furthermore, even the ability to call 000 has disappeared, which was the real reason the update was released.”
An Optus spokesperson said: “This does not impact Optus.” A spokesman for TPG, which also operates the Vodafone brand, said: “Our testing and software update on these Apple devices have not indicated any issues on our network at this stage.”
More to come
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Nick Bonyhady is the business editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. He is a former deputy federal editor, technology editor and industrial relations correspondent.Connect with: X or email.
Elias Visontay is the National Consumer Affairs Reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via email.
