Vodafone has advised that its customers using older iPhones may need to update their software to ensure Triple Zero functionality works as intended. The devices in question span the time frame from the iPhone 6 (released in 2014) to the iPhone X (released in 2017).
WhistleOut understands this issue is different the Triple Zero issue affecting Samsung phones. While some older Samsung phones have been hardwired to look for a 3G network that no longer exists, the iPhone issue is that VoLTE (effectively, 4G calling) may be disabled on the affected devices. Because of the 3G shutdown, phones need to support VoLTE and Emergency VoLTE to continue to operate on Australian networks.
On the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, ensuring the phones are running at least iOS 16.7.12 or above is enough. On older devices, users should also check that VoLTE is switched on after running updates.
The steps may vary depending on what version of iOS an iPhone is running, but Software Update can typically be found under General in the Settings app.
To ensure VoLTE is turned on, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Select Mobile
- Select Mobile Data Options
- Select Enable 4G
- Select Voice & Data
- Toggle on VoLTE
Australian telcos are required by law to block devices that can’t reliably call emergency services. If a telco needs to block a device, it will give a customer a 28 to 35-day warning. Vodafone has an unblocking form on its website for customers who update their software after a device is blocked.
A Telstra spokesperson told WhistleOut that since the release of iOS 17.4 in March last year, Telstra customers were no longer able to disable VoLTE. As such, Telstra network customers with older iPhones don't need to take action.
"When our 3G network was closed in October 2024, devices on our network that were not running iOS 17.4 were blocked as they did not meet emergency call requirements," said the spokesperson.
Customers who have a device that has not yet been updated to iOS 17.4 or newer can contact Telstra to request it be unblocked after they run the software update.
An Optus spokesperson told WhistleOut the telco "conducts reviews of all devices connected to its network and will contact customers directly if any action is required".
Alex Choros
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