14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has just released a new security update for iPhones that comes to resolve an issue affecting the WebKit implementation, explaining that the flaw affects all iPhones currently serviced by the company.
In other words, the iPhone 6s and newer are all getting the update, but in addition, Apple has also shipped iPadOS 14.4.1 to patch a similar vulnerability on the iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later.
According to the official release notes, the update resolves a memory corruption issue, and it was addressed with improved validation. “Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution,” Apple says, adding that the vulnerability was found by Clément Lecigne of Google’s Threat Analysis Group and Alison Huffman of Microsoft Browser Vulnerability Research.
The same security vulnerability also affects the Apple Watch and it is corrected in watchOS 7.3.2.
Needless to say, given it’s a security release, all users are recommended to install it as soon as possible on their devices. You can update your iPhone by heading over to the Settings app and then expanding the Software Update menu.
iOS 14.5 already in the works
While this update is clearly an important release, iOS 14.5 is the update everybody is waiting for, as it comes with some pretty big improvements overall.
For example, it’ll include a new feature that will allow iPhone users to unlock the smartphone using nothing but their Apple Watch. In other words, if you’re wearing a mask, and you really should if you’re outside the safety of your home, you can use the Apple Watch to unlock the iPhone, as features like Face ID have become pretty much useless.
In addition, iOS 14.5 will also include incident reporting features for Apple Maps, as well as new emoji.