To protect its users, Apple released a series of software updates on Wednesday for its suite of devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. The updates, which include iOS 16.5.1, iPadOS 16.5.1, MacOS 13.4.1, and WatchOS 9.5.2, extend beyond the routine bug fixes and feature enhancements typically associated with such releases.
According to Apple’s security update website, these latest updates rectify known vulnerabilities actively exploited in the wild. Specifically, they address two serious security concerns affecting iPhones, iPads, and Macs. These allowed malicious actors to execute code at the kernel level.
Additionally, the updates mitigate risks associated with “processing maliciously crafted web content that may lead to arbitrary code execution.”
An old problem
The first vulnerability mentioned affected iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, prompting Apple to update iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 devices. Similarly, older Mac operating systems received their respective updates, including MacOS Monterey and MacOS Big Sur.
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch received a single security fix in its latest update, with Apple also releasing WatchOS 8.8.1 for older smartwatch models.
The message from Apple is clear: if you own an Apple device, promptly update it to ensure you have the latest security patches installed. These updates address actively exploited vulnerabilities, something that can have grave consequences.
The non-security parts
While these updates primarily focus on security, there was one notable fix unrelated to iPhone security. Apple addressed an issue that affected users attempting to charge their devices using the Lightning to USB 3.0 Camera Adapter.
To update your devices, navigate to the Settings app, select General, and then choose Software Update. In the meantime, Apple also made available version 16.6 for testing by public beta testers a mere two weeks after announcing iOS 17 at its Worldwide Developers Conference.
Although iOS 16.6 introduces a few new features, it is expected to primarily consist of bug fixes and security patches ahead of the fall release of iOS 17.
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