September 8, 2023, 10:48 am | Read time: 2 minutes
The launch of iOS 17 is imminent–yet Apple is releasing one last update for iOS 16.
Next Tuesday, Apple will unveil the iPhone 15. Alongside this, the next major iOS version, iOS 17, will be introduced, which TECHBOOK has already tested in its beta phase. However, work on the previous version isn’t finished, as the company has now released the update to iOS 16.6.1.
iOS 16.6.1 Addresses Critical Security Vulnerabilities
Like the previous update (iOS 16.6), iOS 16.6.1 doesn’t introduce new features for the iPhone. Numerous changes and improvements are expected with iOS 17. Instead, this is a pure security update that fixes two critical security vulnerabilities.
One of these affects the Image I/O framework, which is used for reading and writing most image file formats. The vulnerability allows attackers to create malicious images that, when processed, can lead to arbitrary code execution. The issue stems from a buffer overflow–a problem Apple has resolved in iOS 16.6.1 with improved memory handling.
Apple Wallet is also affected by a security flaw. A maliciously crafted attachment for the Wallet can also lead to arbitrary code execution. The validation error has been removed through improved logic.
Apple has received reports that both vulnerabilities may have been actively exploited by hackers. You can view the details in the relevant support document.
Should You Install the Update Immediately?
Apple itself recommends all users install the update to iOS 16.6.1. TECHBOOK concurs with this recommendation, as these are serious security vulnerabilities that have also been actively exploited.
It is not expected that the several hundred megabyte update will cause issues after installation. Typically, only larger feature updates lead to disruptions in iPhone usage.
Simultaneously with iOS 16.6.1, iPadOS 16.6.1, watchOS 9.6.2, and macOS 13.5.2 are also available for download. These updates also contain the security patches–provided they pertain to the respective device.