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Apple’s iOS Update Issues in Australia and What’s New in iOS 26

Explore the iOS 26 rollout, the emergency‑call bug affecting Australian iPhones, Apple’s carrier settings fix, and the latest iPhone hardware upgrades.
2 February 2026 by
TechStora Editorial Board

Emergency Call Disruption After iOS 16.7.13

In late December, Australian users began reporting that the iOS 16.7.13 update prevented some iPhones from completing emergency calls. Apple withdrew the update after the problem surfaced, but not before a number of devices had already installed it.

Carrier Settings Update from Telstra

On Thursday, Apple pushed a carrier‑settings update specifically for Telstra customers. The patch temporarily resolves the issue by tweaking network‑related parameters, allowing affected iPhones to reconnect to emergency services.

Why Older iPhones Struggle with Emergency Calls

Australian mobile operators have been enhancing their emergency‑calling infrastructure. As a result, legacy iPhone models that rely on outdated network configurations can fail to place calls in certain scenarios. Apple’s response has been a series of software releases, the latest being iOS 26.2.1, aimed at aligning device firmware with the new network standards.

What’s New in iOS 26?

  • Redesigned Control Center with customizable shortcuts.
  • Enhanced privacy dashboard showing real‑time data access.
  • Apple Intelligence integration powered by the A17 and newer chips.
  • Improved multitasking on iPad with Stage Manager 2.0.
  • Support for the new N1 wireless networking chip, delivering faster Wi‑Fi 7 speeds.

Upcoming iPhone Models and Their Distinguishing Features

Apple’s four latest iPhone releases showcase more differentiation than ever before:

  • A17 or newer chip: Boosts performance for AI‑driven tasks and Apple Intelligence.
  • N1 wireless chip: Enables advanced Wi‑Fi 7 and low‑latency 5G connections.
  • 7‑inch “Squarish” display: Optimized for smart‑home control, media consumption, and video calls.
  • Enhanced camera system: Larger sensors and computational photography upgrades.

How to Ensure Your Device Is Protected

Follow these steps to avoid emergency‑call disruptions:

  • Check for the latest iOS version (iOS 26.2.1 or newer).
  • Install any pending carrier‑settings updates, especially if you use Telstra.
  • Restart your iPhone after updates to apply changes fully.
  • Verify emergency‑call functionality by dialing 000 (Australia) in a safe environment.

Conclusion

Apple’s rapid response with a carrier‑settings update mitigated the immediate emergency‑call issue in Australia, while iOS 26 brings a host of new features and performance gains. Users should keep their devices up to date and stay informed about carrier‑specific patches to ensure reliable emergency services access.