Bahrain has urged citizens and residents using Apple devices to update their phones to iOS version 26.2 to ensure they receive emergency alerts promptly and completely during critical situations.
The Ministry of Interior clarified that this directive applies only to iOS users, while Android and Huawei device users do not need to take any action.
The update aligns with Bahrain’s recent approval of a phased pilot operation of a wireless emergency alert system designed to enhance public safety and civil protection. The system will deliver timely information before, during, and after emergencies, significantly improving how authorities communicate with the public in urgent situations.
The initiative was reviewed during a Civil Defence Council meeting, where officials assessed the early warning project and discussed improving emergency procedures, coordination between sectors, and overall national readiness. The system will be tested in stages and initially deployed in designated emergency zones once infrastructure and operational preparations are complete.
In the region, Kuwait has also taken similar precautionary measures. On January 15, Kuwait announced that it would conduct routine monthly testing of its warning sirens on the first Monday of every month at 10am. The country has also carried out joint training programs to enhance response efficiency for chemical, biological, and radiological incidents.
