The "Acquire Hardware" advancement can be achieved without directly smelting iron. It can, for instance, be discovered in chests. This issue is distinct from MC-15729, which pertains to the achievement and was reported prior to the removal of achievements in version 1.12. The description indicates that you are required to smelt an iron ingot, despite the fact that acquiring it suffices, a task that can be accomplished without smelting, as previously noted. In this case, providing steps to reproduce the bug isn't necessary. Your familiarity with Minecraft should allow you to replicate it without guidance.

I abide by Minecraft's community standards and prohibit the transfer of ownership of this bug report to others. I intend to retain possession of the bug report at all times. Additionally, I should not be banned because I will continue to find more bugs and report them. Being banned would prevent me from reporting them.