If you received a notification to update to a new version of Apple’s iOS, download and install it ASAP. The latest iteration fixes a security issue for both the iPhone and iPad. Also, Apple watches.
In its statement on iOS and iPadOS (as well as WatchOS), Apple has confirmed that it is
"aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited".
This means that the vulnerability may have already been discovered and exploited by hackers, hence the urgency of the security patch.
According to the report, users running versions prior to 14.4.2 on their devices, may be exposed to the security issue as a result of which attackers may already have details which they will likely use to compromise other Apple devices.
“This could include redirecting you to a phishing or malicious site, performing actions on a site on your behalf, or even obtaining information from your browsing session. Since this is in WebKit, it could impact any site you visit, and potentially many apps as well,” he was quoted by Forbes as saying.
The threat has been taken so seriously by Apple, that for users with older devices, it has launched iOS 12.5.2.
Apple has provided a list of the compatible devices, which is listed below are need to be updated:
- iPhone 6s and later
- iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad Air 2 and later
- iPad 5th generation and later
- iPad mini 4 and later
- iPod touch (7th generation)
- Apple Watch Series 3 and later
For most users, this update will land automatically, but if you check your device’s OS version and notice it doesn’t match the above, you should manually update your device to the latest version via Settings > General > Software Update.
Apple next iOS 14.5 has now had five beta releases and is likely to be released next month(April). This is a feature-packed release which brings iPhone unlocking via your Apple Watch (great for mask wearers), smart Siri support for your preferred music apps, ‘App Tracking Transparency’, PS5 and Xbox controller support, crowdsourced alerts in Apple Maps (think Waze) and more. It’s an exciting release and I hope Apple can maintain its excellent bug-free recent record with this feature-heavy upgrade