Apple released an iPhone software update, iOS 16.1.1, over the weekend that fixes bug fixes and security vulnerabilities – although it doesn’t add any fancy new features, you should install the update now.
Why the sudden update? It seems that Apple has fixed some important security issues that may have allowed unwanted remote access to your device. As noted on Apple’s security support page, “a remote user may be able to cause an unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution.” Not ideal.
Apple generally doesn’t give much information about important security updates. The official patch notes for iOS 16.1.1 simply states, “This update contains bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.” The update also covers iPad users, with iPad OS 16.1.1 released alongside the latest iPhone software becomes.
Affected iPhone and iPad models
Here are the full details of the security issues addressed by the latest update, including the affected devices:
libxml2
- Available for: iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later and iPad mini 5th generation and later
- Impact: A remote user may be able to cause an unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution
- Description: An integer overflow was addressed through improved input validation.
- CVE-2022-40303: Maddie Stone from Google Project Zero
libxml2
- Available for: iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later and iPad mini 5th generation and later
- Impact: A remote user may be able to cause an unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution
- Description: This issue was addressed through improved validations.
- CVE-2022-40304: Ned Williamson and Nathan Wachholz of Google Project Zero
How to download iOS 16.1.1
If you don’t have automatic software updates turned on or want to manually make sure your device gets the update, the process is quick and easy. First go to Settings, General and then Software update. From here, tap Download and Install where the prompts will guide you through the process.
While security fixes aren’t as exciting as feature-rich updates like iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16.1, they’re important for keeping your devices safe and secure. Keep an eye out for future updates because iOS 16.2 shouldn’t be far away.
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