Update your iPhone now! iOS 15.6 fixes 37 security flaws
With a new year comes a new version of Apple’s operating system. We expect iOS 16 to launch alongside the next generation iPhone in the fall. Ever send a text message and regret it? iOS 16 will let you edit or recall recently sent messages. Finally!
On the safety side, an emergency reset lets you sign out of iCloud on all your other devices and limit messaging to just the device you’re currently using. Safety Check also helps you manage the people and apps you’ve given access to. Tap or click to hear Kim speak more about what’s coming to your iPhone.
We’re not quite there yet, and Apple’s not done with iOS 15. The latest update adds some excellent new features but more importantly, it contains several major security fixes. We’ll break it down for you.
Security fixes for your iPhone and iPad
Apple’s release notes for iOS 15.6 lists 37 security fixes, some of which are pretty serious:
- CVE-2022-32832: A hacker can take over your phone.
- CVE-2022-32788: Exposes your phone to remote code execution attacks.
- CVE-2022-32857: Makes it easier for hackers to track your activity.
- CVE-2022-32847: A hacker can restrict your Wi-Fi access.
- CVE-2022-32849: A hacker can access sensitive information in your iCloud Photo Library.
While Apple didn’t mention zero-day exploits, the Cupertino company is urging iPhone owners to update as soon as possible.
iPadOS 15.6 was released alongside its iOS counterpart and contains the same fixes. The latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system is available for iPhone 6s and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 4 and later and iPod touch (7th generation):
- To install iOS 15.6, go to Settings > General Software Update > Download and Install.
- To install iPadOS 15.6, go to Settings > General Software Update > Download and Install.
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Other fixes and enhancements
It’s not all doom and gloom. Apple’s iOS 15.6 addresses some less pressing issues and even adds a nice new feature:
- The TV app will let you restart a live sports game and pause, fast-forward or rewind the streaming video.
- A storage bug that caused Settings to incorrectly show a full storage notification was fixed.
- An issue that caused braille devices to slow down or crash when navigating text in Mail was fixed.
- An issue in Safari where a tab may revert to a previous page was also fixed.
Changes to the AirTag low battery warning
Prior to iOS 15.6, you could open your AirTag’s card in the Find My app and view the battery status. The icon would give you a general idea (but not a percentage) about the battery status. When the icon turned red, you knew the battery level was low, and you should replace it. You also got a notification when the battery was low.
With the update, you’ll see the red battery status under your AirTag in the Find My app. What’s changed is that you no longer see a battery status unless the battery level is low. You’ll still get a notification when the battery level is low, so there’s no need to keep checking.
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Tags: Apple, Apple iCloud, Apple iPad, Apple iPhone, battery, Google Chrome, iOS, messaging, operating systems, security, security fixes, software update
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