Why iPhone 12 Devices May Fail to Call Triple Zero in Emergencies

iPhone

• iPhone SE (1st generation)

• iPhone SE (2nd generation)

• iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

• iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus

• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

• iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus

• iPhone X

• iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max

• iPhone XR

• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max

• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

Apple Watch

• Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)

• Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

• Apple Watch Ultra, Ultra 2

For iPhone 12 users, this update is particularly important. Earlier testing identified a compatibility issue that could prevent successful Triple Zero connections when the device needed to roam onto another carrier’s network. Apple strongly advises all affected users to ensure their device is running the latest software version to maintain reliable access to emergency services.

Note: There’s no confirmation yet on whether Yomojo or Optus users are impacted by the new Emergency SOS update.

For more details, refer to:

• Apple’s official update: Apple Support

• Additional coverage: ABC News

When you dial Triple Zero in Australia, you expect one thing: for the call to go through. No delays, no glitches, no surprises. It is the moment when your phone simply must work.  

Recent findings show that some devices have not been performing as they should, including certain iPhones. Apple has now released an urgent update after tests identified a critical issue affecting the iPhone 12’s ability to connect to emergency services under specific network conditions. 

This is not about panic. It is about awareness and making sure you are not caught out when it matters most.  

During extensive testing of Australia’s emergency call system, prompted by the Optus outage and growing concerns about mobile network reliability, one device raised a serious red flag: the iPhone 12. 

Reports confirmed that the iPhone 12 encountered a mobile network compatibility issue when attempting to connect to Triple Zero in Australia. 

Under certain conditions, particularly when a user moved outside their carrier’s coverage area and the iPhone 12 had to roam onto another network to place an emergency call, the device could fail to connect leaving Triple Zero unreachable at a critical moment. 

The scenario is rare, but it is precisely the kind of moment when reliability is non‑negotiable. 

Interestingly, the issue appears to be isolated to the iPhone 12 line. Other iPhones compatible with the iOS 26.2 update, including the iPhone 11 and newer, did not show the same behaviour during testing. 

The problem emerged during a Senate Committee investigation into Triple Zero reliability. That inquiry had already identified 71 Samsung models with emergency‑call compatibility issues, and the iPhone 12 was then flagged during further laboratory testing. 

Apple responded quickly, releasing a targeted update exclusively for the iPhone 12 range. 

Apple’s emergency update, iOS 26.2, restores proper Triple Zero access for iPhone 12 users by ensuring the device can correctly connect to another carrier’s network when required. 

Apple has published an official support article detailing the issue and the fix: 

👉 https://support.apple.com/en-mk/125851  

If you own an iPhone 12, any model in the range, updating is not optional. It is essential. 

You’re affected if: 

• You own an iPhone 12, including: 

• iPhone 12 

• iPhone 12 mini 

• iPhone 12 Pro 

• iPhone 12 Pro Max 

• You haven’t yet installed iOS 26.2 

To check your software version: Settings → General → Software Update 

If the update is available, install it immediately. 

The process is straightforward, but the consequences of neglecting it are profound. 

Emergency calls behave differently from normal calls. They are designed to connect using any available network, even one you are not a customer of. 

This is called emergency roaming, and it is crucial in: 

• Regional and rural areas 

• Outages 

• Congested networks 

• Border zones between coverage areas 

The iPhone 12 issue specifically affected this emergency fallback scenario. 

You may never notice the problem until the moment you desperately need Triple Zero. 

Preparedness remains the cornerstone of safety, even as rapid fixes and future improvements continue to roll out. 

Here is your quick checklist: 

• iPhone 12 users: Update to iOS 26.2 without delay. Encourage your family and friends to do the same. 

• Older Samsung users: Visit Samsung’s official website, update your device software, and, if required, consider replacing your handset. Make sure VoLTE is switched on. 

• Everyone: Turn on automatic updates for your phone. Take a moment to understand how emergency roaming operates. 

These may seem like small steps, but they carry the potential to make a life‑saving difference. Don’t let your phone fail you in a moment of crisis. Staying prepared is a digital imperative in an increasingly complex world. 

Most of us assume our phones will work flawlessly when we dial Triple Zero. Yet recent testing has shown that even top tier devices can have unexpected vulnerabilities. 

Apple’s rapid response is reassuring, but awareness remains essential. 

Before it happens to you or someone you love, take a moment to update your device. It is a small action that could make a lifesaving difference. 

If you’re unsure whether your device or service is affected, or if you need help updating: 

Contact Yomojo Support:  

📞 1300 966 656  

📧 Email: support@yomojo.com.au  

💬 Chat Now

Contact Apple Support:  

📞 (61) 1-300-321-456 

📧 https://support.apple.com/en-mk 

You may also refer to:  
https://www.yomojo.com.au/news/why-samsung-update-is-non-negotiable
https://www.yomojo.com.au/news/triple-zero-calling-update-2025-incompatible-devices