July 25, 2023, 10:03 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Ten months after its launch, iOS 16 is now receiving what is likely its final update. Apple is now fully focused on developing the next version, which is set to launch with the iPhone 15.
After two months in beta, iOS 16.6 is now available for download for all owners of a compatible iPhone. The update includes a series of bug fixes and patches for critical security vulnerabilities.
iOS 16.6 includes numerous security patches and bug fixes
TECHBOOK has no information on new features in iOS 16.6. No surprise, as Apple has been busy working on iOS 17 since the developer conference WWDC in June. For this update, the company has primarily focused on resolving issues.
According to the support page, patches for a total of 25 vulnerabilities in iOS are included. These mainly affect the kernel level of the operating system and, in some cases, allow hackers to execute malicious code. Apple’s browser engine WebKit, which is the basis for iPhone apps such as Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, also had security gaps that are closed with iOS 16.6. The “Find My” app, which according to Apple could read personal location information, is also affected. Of all the vulnerabilities addressed, Apple is aware of two that may have been actively exploited for attacks. You can find an overview of all the details on the support page.
The release notes for iOS 16.6 also include a few bug fixes. However, these are not detailed in any of the documentation.
Also of interest: These iPhones will no longer receive an update to iOS 17
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Should you install the update right away?
Due to the extensive security content in iOS 16.6 alone, users should not delay the update for too long. TECHBOOK has already tested the update in advance and found no issues. This is likely because Apple took its time to minimize errors.
Even older iPhones that did not receive iOS 16 will be provided with an update that includes the security patches. Specifically, iPhone 7/7 Plus and older will receive iOS version 15.7.8.
Simultaneously with iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.6, tvOS 16.6, watchOS 9.6, and macOS 13.5 are also available for download. These updates also include the security patches–provided they affect the respective device.
The last iOS 16 update
Typically, there are about one and a half to two months between major follow-up updates, which are marked by numbers after the first point–such as iOS 16.1, 16.4, and now 16.6. Since Apple plans to introduce new iPhones in September 2023, no follow-up update for iOS 16 is planned. An exception was made last year with iOS 15.7, which users could download to delay the installation of iOS 16.
Now, the focus shifts directly to iOS 17. The beta version of the new operating system has been publicly available since July 11. You can learn how to install it here: Be the first to test new iOS versions on the iPhone.