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Apple Pushes Carrier Settings Update to Fix Telstra Issue on iPhones Running iOS 16.7.13

Apple has released a carrier settings update for Telstra customers in Australia that resolves the issue affecting iPhones running iOS 16.7.13, which was released and then made unavailable to download by Apple earlier this week.

iOS 16 Buggy feature
The fix is delivered via a carrier bundle update, which adjusts network-related settings such as connectivity and calling features, without requiring an iOS update.

Affected users who updated to iOS 16.7.13 before Apple stopped signing it can install the bundle on their iPhone by going to Settings ➝ General ➝ About, where a prompt to update carrier settings should appear. Once installed, the Service Provider field in Settings should display "Telstra 54.1," said the telecommunications company in an updated support document.

The original issue that caused Apple to unsign iOS 16.7.13 prevented some older iPhone models from connecting to the Telstra network, including via emergency calls to 000.

As things stand, iOS 16.7.13 remains unavailable to download. It's still unclear if Apple will re-sign it, with the carrier bundle available separately, or whether it will issue a new point release of iOS with the bundle packaged in.

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Top Rated Comments

8 months ago

Imagine having an iPhone 8 or X as your main in 2026 💀
If you're mostly just doing messaging, calls, some basic apps and photos, why would you spend thousands on a new phone? The time to upgrade is when your current device can no longer do what you use it for.

I still use a 2017 Macbook Pro as my daily machine.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Madonepro Avatar
8 months ago

Yeah ok but in most cases better get a new one… Yes you can do battery replacements but the battery on the iPhone 8 for example is kinda bad… Meanwhile the iPhone 15 pro is very good… just 2 years old…
Each to their own.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
8 months ago
Ah, so Apple can push carrier settings without a full iOS update. They just usually choose not to.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
8 months ago

Ahhh, Apple can push anything to one of their handsets. They chose not to when not required? What’s your actual point 💁‍♂️…

Carrier settings are just that, usually pushed out by your carrier. In this instance it broke under the iOS update and Apple fixed it.
Especially for MVNOs they could move faster on specific feature support if they wanted, is my point.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Madonepro Avatar
8 months ago

Why not, ok it's not for doom scrolling but having a device that supports the lasted iOS version is always good, first you get ALL the security fixes, second you get all the apps updated ! Sometimes you need to use the lasted version ! Same goes for the websites, they might also be slow on your device or might not work properly.

Also an iPhone 8 or X might not have a great battery in 2026, even just for basic it can be pain ! And way more...

Trust you don't wanna use iOS 16 in 2026
But some people are more than happy with what the phone provides them. Apple does update with security fixes, and as for browsing, well not a lot has really been updated in iOS Safari for a while.

Batteries can be replaced, and for significantly less than a new or refurbished phone. My phone is a 15 Pro Max, and it's perfect for me, and will get a battery replacement in about a year.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Astuces iOS Avatar
8 months ago

Not everyone cares about the latest and greatest, especially if promotions aren't available to ease the cost of upgrading to the latest models. Most people in the US have newer phones because of carrier deals designed to lock customers in for 2-3 years.
iPhone 8 and X are from 2017, that's almost 9 years old phones !!!!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)