Users are recommended to update as soon as possible

Jan 23, 2017 20:43 GMT  ·  By

Apple released today the first point release of the iOS 10.2 mobile operating system for all supported iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices, bringing a whole lot of bug fixes and security patches.

iOS 10.2.1 comes approximately six weeks after the release of iOS 10.2, and besides the fact that it lets you restore the new TV app if you delete it, it attempts to fix an issue with the Auto Unlock feature that could unlock your iPhone even when Apple Watch is not on your wrist.

A bunch of WebKit security flaws have also been patched with today's iOS 10.2.1 stable update, along with a couple of kernel vulnerabilities and libarchive buffer overflow issue. Additionally, iOS 10.2.1 improves the Contacts app, which should no longer crash when processing a maliciously crafted contact card.

Lastly, and probably most importantly, iOS 10.2.1 addresses a Wi-Fi security hole that could allow an attacker to briefly access the home screen by manipulating the user input on an activation-locked device. Apple says that these issues affect iPhone 5 and later, iPad 4th generation and later, and iPod touch 6th generation or later.

Looking forward to iOS 10.3 and the rumored "Theater Mode"

iOS 10.2.1 being a bugfix/security update and all that, it's extremely important that you take your time and update your device as soon as possible. Don't wait until tomorrow, do it now! To update, simply open the Settings app, go to the General section, then access the Software Updates entry and install iOS 10.2.1, which will reboot your device.

Once iOS 10.2.1 is installed, you can rest assured that your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch device is much safer than before. However, security flaws are discovered all the time, and Apple is always patching them with new software versions. Talking about new updates, we're now looking forward to iOS 10.3 in a few months and its rumored "Theater Mode," which should offer us a dark theme for iOS.